In its continuing drive to bring beauty and a sense of peace to the social service environment,The Salvation Army's Alegria Transitional Village will host an opening reception of the art of Johnathan Puls. Guests will not only be able to enjoy the artistic expression of Mr. Puls' painting, but will also enjoy the music of the band, No Little Kindness.

Wal-Mart and Target, two of the nation’s leading retail chains, announce a substantial response to Hurricane Gustav and Ike relief effort. With $2.5 million from Wal-Mart and $1 million from Target to be distributed to The Salvation Army and other relief agencies, the hurricane ravaged part of the country will receive tens of thousands of comfort kits, food, and fresh drinking water. "Wal-Mart’s contribution to The Salvation Army in this time of need is just another example of the generous support they have provided us throughout the years,” said Major George Hood, National Community Relations Secretary at The Salvation Army. “This donation furthers our ability to provide long-term care and comfort to the individuals and families who have lost so much following these hurricanes."

Operation Feed Our Families is The Salvation Army’s response to the growing cost of living crisis that is facing so many of the working poor throughout Southern California. With gasoline exceeding $4.00 a gallon and the price of such staples as eggs, milk, and bread continuing to rise, the food pantries of The Salvation Army are experiencing a dramatic increase in requests for assistance. Operation Feed Our Families is a campaign aimed at keeping the 36 Salvation Army food pantries open and viable. Currently two-thirds of our pantries are either empty or operating at 50% capacity.

The following excerpts are from a recent article published in HispanicBusiness.com by writer Jeremy Nisen regarding The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Youth and Community Center and its participation in the Nike corporation's one-of-a-kind recycling program.

Throughout Los Angeles, underserved Hispanic communities are being improved through a fantastic combination of recycling technology and sports. People can donate any brand of old athletic shoes at many locations, including Nike stores, other retail outlets, gyms, and schools. These shoes are then pulverized and different parts of the shoes end up as substance called “Nike Grind.” This recycled material accounts for up to 20 percent of the playground, basketball, tennis, and other sports surfaces that Nike, with partners, is donating to needy neighborhoods.