COVID-19 Update for Manatee County
- To help control the spread of COVID-19, meals will be served outside in “to-go” containers Monday-Friday at 5 pm.
- Emergency overnight and shelter programs are operating at a limited capacity to promote social distancing.
- Our lobby doors are locked. Please call 941-748-5110 for assistance during office hours, Monday-Thursday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
- For financial assistance (rent/utilities), please click here. Applications may be "turned on and off" based on the number submitted. Please continue to try if you are unable to access the application.
- Thanks to funding from Manatee County through the Cares Act, an outreach team has been assembled to work with homeless individuals not accessing shelter to provide PPE and hygiene items in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID through the homeless community.
- With an expected spike in requests for help over the coming weeks, months, and potentially years, ongoing public support will be needed to help ensure that services are available. Visit send your donations to PO Box 1179, Bradenton, FL 34206 and write COVID 19 on the memo line or, click here to donate online.
Serving Manatee County since 1923
The Salvation Army has been serving Manatee County since 1923. While the needs of the community have changed in the last century, our mission has not. If you were to ask about us, the answer would be we are “Doing the Most Good.” This may mean our free evening meal program, our emergency overnight shelters, our case management and social service programs or one of our Christmas assistance programs, Angel Tree or Adopt-A-Family. In addition, The Salvation Army is a church and we hold worship services every week, plus other faith-based and character building programs for adults and youths.
Our programs and services
We offer a free, community dinner each weeknight beginning at 5 pm. Anyone is welcome to attend, but we require dinner attendees to have a meal card. Cards can be picked up at 1204 14th Street West. Please call 941-748-5110 for more information.
In addition to feeding, we provide shelter. We offer shelter in the form of emergency overnight stays and associated case management programs. The Pathway of Hope program assists motivated families seeking security and stability in their lives.
Angel Tree helps local, qualified families with Christmas presents. In September of 2019, 1,886 children registered for the Angel Tree program.
Funded by the Manatee County Community Development Block Program in response to COVID-19, an outreach program began in 2020 to meet with individuals in homeless camps to make sure they are aware of available resources and basic needs are being met, including personal protection equipment and other items to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Emergency Disaster Services
Did you know The Salvation Army is involved with natural disaster relief efforts? The Salvation Army of Manatee County sent staff and volunteers to North Carolina to help respond to clean-up and recovery efforts after Hurricane Florence in 2018, as well as to Florida's Panhandle after Hurricane Michael. Learn more about Emergency Disaster Services.
We couldn’t do it all without you!
One of the most recognized faith-based charitable organizations spanning the globe, we could not help those in need without your support. The generosity of the local community through donations, volunteer efforts and those who host our Angel Trees every year help us Do The Most Good. Click here to get involved!
Our Local Leadership
Trained, commissioned officers oversee the daily operations of The Salvation Army. They proclaim the gospel and serve as administrators, teachers, social workers, counselors, youth leaders, and musicians. The Salvation Army local leadership team is comprised of officers and management level staff members who oversee day-to-day activities. Officers and management work in partnership with a volunteer member Advisory Board.
Historically, officers of The Salvation Army receive appointments assigning them to a post. On average, Majors spend three to five years at an appointment. Newer officers, or Lieutenants, may spend a shorter time period at their first appointments. Staff members hired by The Salvation Army handle carry-out the services and programs, while ensuring a continuity of services. Finally, Advisory Board members volunteer their time to support the local efforts of The Salvation Army with guidance, fund raising efforts and oversight.
Majors Juan and Sobeida Guadalupe
Major Sobeida “Bivi” Guadalupe was born in Venezuela and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Universidad Teologica del Caribe in Puerto Rico and a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration-Accounting from the University of Puerto Rico prior to entering The Salvation Army College for Officers in Atlanta, Georgia. She was ordained in 2001 and began her career as an officer of The Salvation Army. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree at McCormick Theological Seminary, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Major Juan Guadalupe is a native of Puerto Rico and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Universidad Teologica del Caribe in Puerto Rico, followed by his Master’s in Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. With his wife, Major Guadalupe entered The Salvation Army College for Officers in Atlanta and was ordained in 2001.
Together, the Guadalupes have ministered in Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Michigan prior to their time in The Salvation Army and since becoming officers, they have served in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia. They are blessed with three children and four grandchildren.
Major Kristy Nkanza
Major Kristy Nkanza has been assigned to be the Assistant Corps Officer in Manatee County following her most recent appointment in Cambridge, Maryland. Promoted from Captain to Major in 2020, Major Nkanza, who is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina and a graduate of the University of North Carolina Charlotte went to school to become a school teacher. While a student, she learned about The Salvation Army and entered the College for Officer Training in 2002. After finishing school, she had appointments in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and Greensboro, North Carolina, before spending seven years in Baltimore, Maryland. Since Baltimore, Major Nkanza has been to Tampa, Florida, Hendersonville, North Carolina and Cambridge.
Major Nkanza has three children – Ava (13), Emma (11) and Nathan (7) who are enjoying life in Bradenton. She enjoys working with kids and looks forward to building the youth programs here in Manatee County.
Julie Showers
With more than 22 years experience working for The Salvation Army, Julie Showers has organized and supervised feeding and shelter programs in small and large communities throughout the southern United States. Serving as the Program Director/Business Administrator for The Salvation Army, Manatee County since 2009, Ms. Showers supervises all daily operations of the community kitchen, shelters and social service programs.
Advisory Board
Each unit of The Salvation Army has its own volunteer advisory board, which holds monthly meetings (except during the summer months) and has committees for nominating, fund raising, property, finance, etc. If you are interested in joining the advisory board, please call 941-757-5773 for more information.
Current Board Members
Officers
Chris Williams, Chair
Dann Bauer, Vice Chair
Treasurer - Open
Members
Karl Esterbrook
The Honorable Robert Farrance (retired)
George Hoagland
Chris Howard
Cynthia (Cia) McKoy
Life Members
Ed Dick
Bill Evers
The Salvation Army provides employment opportunities for qualified individuals who are seeking to Do The Most Good for their community.
What sets apart The Salvation Army from other employers is our close-knit “family” and our organizational commitment to helping those in need without discrimination. We believe you will find a career at The Salvation Army to be a rewarding experience. In addition to a friendly atmosphere, The Salvation Army offers a wide array of benefits, including insurance (health, dental, vision, life and disability), paid vacation time, sick time as well as retirement plan benefits.
To see a complete list of job postings with The Salvation Army, please click here.
For more information, please call 941-748-5110 or apply in person.
‘Soup, Soap and Salvation’ may sound a simplistic motto, but it addresses the heart of human need and is embedded into the fabric of The Salvation Army mission.
Feeding those who would go without a hot, nutritious meal hits at the core of The Salvation Army’s mission. Each weeknight in Bradenton, we serve a hot meal to an average of 250 men, women and children at our Community Dinner. Doors open at 5 pm Monday-Friday as we welcome the community to our dining room. While the dinner is provided at no cost, we ask guests to pick up a meal card at our administrative office, located at 1204 14th Street West, between 1 pm and 4 pm.
We welcome everyone to dinner – this meal is served to anyone in need, just not exclusively the homeless. Thus, many seniors and families who live nearby attend our community dinner.
What is for dinner?
Each night, the kitchen staff at The Salvation Army prepares a hot, nutritious meal. A protein, vegetables, starch and dessert are staples on the daily menu. Lasagna, beef stew, pizza, soup & salad, Italian sausage and peppers often appear on to the menu.
Food donations
We accept food donations from several local grocery, wholesale club and convenience stores. In addition, a few restaurants donate food on a regular basis. If you would like to learn more about making a food donation, please call our kitchen manager at 941-757-5783.
Facts on Hunger
By definition, to be food insecure means that there is a lack of reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
- Households with children are more likely to be food insecure than those without.
- 59% of food insecure households participate in a major food assistance program.
- The National Council on Aging reports that over 4 million low income adults over the age of 60 rely on a food assistance program. On average, they receive $108/month for food.
Because not all things in life go according to plan, The Salvation Army’s social services department in Bradenton provides case management, emergency financial assistance and basic needs to qualified Manatee County residents experiencing a valid crisis. We understand that hard-working families often make the decision of buying medicine and groceries or paying the electric bill.
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Covid-19 Update for Financial Assistance
Our lobby and offices are closed for walk-up service. We are still working with individuals over the telephone and utilizing an online application for assistance.
The application below can be completed online; additional forms will need to be completed and sent to the case manager, as outlined in the application.
Financial assistance is available for:
• Utilities, FPL and TECO, eviction prevention and other basic needs funds are available for qualified applicants.
• Rental assistance for qualified applicants only when funding is available.
• A limited number of applications can be accepted for financial assistance. Assistance is subject to approval and is not guaranteed.
Eligibility:
• FPL, TECO and water assistance - You must have a valid crisis and past due balance or shut-off notice.
• Rental/housing assistance - You must show a valid crisis and/or a 3-day eviction notice.
Required Documents:
Please bring current photo ID for all household members 18 and over and last 4-digits of social security number for everyone in the household. Once the referral is accepted, a case manager will contact you and provide instructions on which documents are necessary, as they vary for each service. These documents are also listed in the online application.
How to begin:
Complete our online application and after reviewing your file, a case manager will contact you.
Here is a complete list of services offered by the social services department
- Electric service payment assistance
- Gas service payment assistance
- Water bill assistance
- Rental/Housing assistance when funds are available
- Personal financial counseling
- Christmas programs
- Life skills education
To learn more, call 941-748-5110.
“People who are homeless are not social inadequates. They are people without homes.” – Sheila McKechnie
Each evening, the men’s shelter opens its doors to adult males seeking shelter. The Salvation Army serving Manatee County has capacity to provide lodging for 100 men each evening. The shelter offers both emergency overnight stay and long-term case management programs to link clients to community resources and meet the goal of finding long-term, sustainable housing.
Emergency Shelter
The overnight emergency shelter begins intake daily at 6 pm. Manatee County residents receive seven free shelter nights. Once the seven nights have been used, clients will be encouraged to enter a case-managed shelter program.
Shelter Programs
Individuals seeking additional assistance may enroll in a shelter program. Each client works with a case manager to develop a case plan outlining goals and objectives. Goals and objectives contribute to the overall goal of finding sustainable housing. For example, clients participate in life skills classes on budgeting and personal finance. Links to other community resources such as medical and dental care or legal aid are also provided. Our four separate programs serve different demographic groups.
- Turning Points Work Program – This program requires participants obtain employment and save money before seeking sustainable housing.
- Veteran’s Program – Offered in conjunction with the Veteran’s Administration, provides emergency housing for veterans for 30 days until a long-term solution is found.
- Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) – Allows men waiting for a bed at the ARC to stay in shelter. Once transferred to the ARC, men receive six months of substance abuse counseling.
For more information on the men’s shelter, please call 941-748-5110 and ask for extension 112.
Homelessness is not exclusive to adults, children can be homeless too
When you imagine someone as homeless, you probably do not think of women with children. However, the number of homeless women with children continues to grow in this area.
Each evening, the shelter for women and children opens its doors to both single women and women who have come seeking shelter for themselves and their children. The Salvation Army serving Manatee County designates five rooms to women and their children; a sixth room serves only women. When these spaces are occupied, common areas provide emergency overnight shelter.
The shelter for women and children offers both emergency overnight stay and long-term case management programs to link clients to community resources and meet the goal of finding long-term, sustainable housing.
Emergency Shelter
The overnight emergency shelter begins intake daily at 6 pm. Manatee County residents receive seven free shelter nights. Once the seven nights have been used, a fee of $10 per night is charged.
Shelter Programs
Individuals seeking additional assistance may enroll in a shelter program. Each client works with a case manager to develop a case plan outlining goals and objectives. Goals and objectives contribute to the overall goal of finding sustainable housing. For example, clients participate in life skills classes on budgeting, personal finance, parenting, etc. Links to other community resources such as child care, medical and dental care or legal aid are also provided.
Restrictions
Individuals under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a female parent or guardian.
For more information on the shelter, please call 941-748-5110 and ask for extension 128.
Bible Study and Prayer
- Sunday School-9:30 AM
- Worship-10:45 AM
- Tuesday – 10 AM
- Tuesday - 6 pm - new - Hispanic Women's Bible Study & Prayer
- Los Martes a las 6 pm - Estudio Bíblico y Oración para mujeres. El servicio es en Españo
Women’s Ministry
- Tuesdays, 6 pm - new - Hispanic Women's Bible Study & Prayer
- Los Martes a las 6:00 PM - Estudio Bíblico y Oración para mujeres. El servicio es en Español,
- Thursday mornings – 9:45 AM
- Bradenton Busy Bees (scrap booking, card making, stamping, Bible journaling, etc), 3rd Saturday of each month, 9 am to 5 pm
Youth Programs
- Tuesdays, during the school year, 5:30, dinner included
- Annual Vacation Bible School Event (2020 Date TBA)
Believe in the Magic of Christmas!
Christmas Assistance/Angel Tree
Each year, The Salvation Army oversees the Angel Tree program to help local, qualified families with Christmas presents for their children up to age 12.
In 2020, we served nearly 1,800 children through the Angel Tree Program! Next fall, we will begin the process again.
We implemented an online registration for Angel Tree. Registration will open in September, check back for the exact date.
Interested in registering your child? Please click here to review the program requirements.
Beginning at TBA, please click here to register your child(ren).
Questions or problems with the link, please email Vanessa Rhodes at 941-748-5110.
Pick-up Information
If you registered to receive assistance please bring your appointment letter. If you misplaced your letter please bring the following:
- Photo ID
- Proof of address (Lease)
- Birth certificates of children registered
- If another person is picking up for APPLICANT, person must have Notarized Letter from APPLICANT giving permission to pickup toys, appointment letter and their photo id. (No Exceptions!)
Pick up location: The Salvation Army Center for Worship, 5328 24th Street East, Bradenton 34203
“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.”
-Aristotle
The Salvation Army in Bradenton has both seasonal and year-round opportunities for volunteerism that allow you as an individual, your family or a group to “Do the Most Good.” While some may look for a face-to-face interaction with those we serve, others may prefer to be more “behind the scenes” in their volunteer efforts. Fortunately, we can accommodate both.
Year-round
- Emergency Disaster Services
- Community dinner
- Youth enrichment for children at family shelter
- Youth programs
Seasonally
- Angel Tree (September) * may vary in 2020 due to COVID-19
- Angel Tree toy shop sorting and distribution (December)
- Ring bells at our red kettles (November and December)
Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team
- This often means serving meals or passing out bottled water to first responders and disaster victims. EDS team volunteers can elect to receive short assignments, such as two hours in your community or a longer assignment that could require travel to another state for up to two weeks. Please visit our EDS website for more information on the EDS volunteer program, including training requirements.
Special Projects
- At times, we do have special projects that require the assistance of a volunteer. If you are already on our volunteer roster, you may be called to see if you are available to help.
Other ways to help:
- We receive calls from groups who would like to do a service project on our behalf. We welcome these calls and accommodate when possible.
- Sponsor a drive to support basic shelter needs.
- During the holiday season, host an Angel Tree at your business, club or church.
For more information on our volunteer opportunities or to complete an application, please call 941-757-5770 or click here for an application packet.
The fine print: In most cases, volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Minors may volunteer when accompanied by a parent in some holiday positions. All volunteers are expected to complete an online application and profile and attend a one-hour orientation session.
Thank you for your interest in Angel Tree
Angel Tree is a unique program designed by The Salvation Army to help struggling families fill the Christmas wishes of their children. Each year, Manatee County children are enrolled in the program and gifts for these children are provided by compassionate generous donors. In 2020, nearly 1,800 children received Christmas gifts thanks to this program. In September, we will begin the process of registration for the 2021 Angel Tree program. Once registration is complete, Angels will be ready for adoption.
For more information, please contact Vanessa Rhodes at 941-748-5110.
Frequently Asked Questions
How it works
An Angel tag is created for each child and "Angels" are placed on trees. Angel Trees go on display at partner host sites in mid-late October. Friends and patrons of the host site pull Angel tags from the tree. The tag includes a child's first name and Christmas wishes. Purchased gifts are returned to the tree and picked up by The Salvation Army in November. Families of the Angels receive the items the week before Christmas.
Who do I contact to host an Angel Tree at my business/club/church/office?
To get started, please click here. You may also contact Major Kristy NKanza via email, Kristy.Nkanza@uss.salvationarmy.org.
What do Angel Tree hosts have to do?
The Salvation Army delivers the tree and Angel tags to your location. Each tag represents a child and includes the child's first name, age, gender and two or three items on their wish list. Once your tree arrives, inform your friends, patrons, club members or employees that they may select an Angel. The Salvation Army collects all of the trees and presents.
How many Angel tags will be on my Angel Tree?
You may chose the number of Angels based on how many you believe your team can support.
What should donors purchase for their Angel?
Each Angel tag includes a short wish list to use as a guide. However, the buyer decides what to purchase. We request new, unused items. The goal is to provided each child with a minimum of two or three toys, clothing and either shoes or a jacket. Angel tags are not duplicated and only one per child is sent to the community. Gifts received for the child through the Angel Tree program may be the only gift they receive this Christmas.
Is there anything that donors should avoid?
Yes, we prefer non-violent gifts – no weapons. We also ask donors to refrain from purchasing bikes and gift cards.
Should donated gifts be wrapped?
No. While we are very grateful for all of the gifts donated, we also respect that many parents enjoy wrapping gifts for their children.
How much money should I spend?
We request that gifts not exceed $50. If different people adopt siblings, there is equality among gifts.
What is a Forgotten Angel?
With so many families facing economic challenges, more and more families register their children. Despite our best efforts and the generosity of our community supporters, we average 400 Angels not selected from an Angel Tree. Gifts donated for a Forgotten Angel stock our toy shop and fill the wishes of these children.
How can I support the Forgotten Angels?
Instead of hosting an Angel Tree, your group can collect gifts for the Forgotten Angels Toy Shop. Gifts may include toddler toys to older child games. We need for both genders and in different age ranges. Using the Walmart Registry for Good program, we created a registry to assist with ideas. Please click here to see the registry.
Can I make a monetary donation to the program?
Yes! You can send donations to our office or donate online. Donations can be mailed to Angel Tree, The Salvation Army 1204 14th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34205 or click Make a donation.
Any other questions, please email Kristy.Nkanza@uss.salvationarmy.org.
Important Angel Tree Dates
October 12- October 16, 2020 – Delivery of Angel Trees to host sites
November 30 – All gifts should be returned to host sites
December 1 – We begin collecting tree and gifts from host sites
Thank you for your 2020 Support! All links are now inactive!
Check back for more information about Christmas 2021 in the fall!
Hints, tips and the adoption link
Our goal is to provide at least the following to each child.
- 2 Outfits
- Shoes or Jacket
- 1 ‘Larger’ Gift
- 2-3 Smaller Toys/Gifts
Once an “Angel” is adopted, no one else in the community can adopt the same child. People often partner with friends or family to fulfil their Angel’s Christmas wishes. Any item you buy for your Angel will be given to that child.
The Wish List provided for your Angel is a guide. Parents complete wish lists when registering their children to assist you with the Angel’s wants and needs. These are just suggestions and not all items have to be purchased.
If clothing sizes are provided, this reflects a family’s need.
Gifts should be new and unwrapped.
Please write the ‘Angel ID Code’ of the Angel you choose online attach it to the bag of gifts or place it inside. We want to be sure all items get to your ’Angel.’
Thank you for helping Rescue Christmas for Manatee County families! Click here to adopt an Angel.
If you have any questions, email Major Kristy at: Kristy.Nkanza@uss.salvationarmy.org
Gifts can be returned to:
The Salvation Army Worship Center
5328 24th Street East
Bradenton, FL 34203
from
November 16—December 4
Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 and 4
Help Make Someone’s Christmas Memorable
Exciting News!
Like so many other things in our daily life, COVID 19 impacted how we operate our Angel Tree and Adopt-A-Family programs. Program registration was conducted online. The software does not allow us to indicate if a family is Angel Tree or Adopt-A-Family. This did not impact you, our loyal donors. If you would like to adopt a family or multiple families, we will be able to meet your needs. Angel Tree donors will see an expanded ability to select angels online this year.
Registration for the 2021 Christmas Assistance programs will be held in September; names of Angels and families will be available once registration is complete.
How it works & Frequently Asked Questions
For more information, please click Host an Angel Tree in the upper left corner of this page. When you contact Major Kristy, you will simply need to tell her you wish to adopt an entire family.
Be Part of the Legacy
The Red Kettle Campaign has a deep history in America. It began in 1891 in San Francisco when Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee wanted to provide a free Christmas dinner to families in need. He used an idea originally developed in Liverpool, England where people could throw some change into a pot to help the poor. Six years later, it spread to the East Coast and continued to grow into the tradition it is today, spreading throughout the entire United States and across the world.
Kettle Facts
- Funds collected in the kettles support programs and services offered locally by The Salvation Army.
- The holiday kettle campaign is The Salvation Army’s largest fundraising campaign – and its worldwide!
- Apple Pay and Google Pay donation options were introduced in 2019.
About our bell ringers
- Bell ringers could be paid or volunteers who chose to donate time to The Salvation Army.
- Ringing bells as a family can become a fun, holiday tradition.
- Many civic, school and church groups have holiday bell ringing days.
Who can be a bell ringer?
In short answer, anyone can be a bell ringer!
- We encourage groups, families and individuals to participate in holiday bell ringing.
- People of all ages can ring bells, but we ask that student groups and children have adult supervision.
- Anyone with a few spare hours and the desire to spread the holiday spirit is welcome.
FAQ
- What is the time commitment? It varies. Some groups ring daily, others just once during a holiday season. We ask you to commit to a minimum of 1/2 day. We ring from 10 am until 7 pm.
- Is there an expense for me? No! We supply the kettle, kettle stand, an apron and the bells.
- How long is the bell ringing season? This year, we will ring Monday through Saturday from November 28 until December 24.
- Can I pick my location? We have a list of approved sites and you can select your location from the list.
Fun Ideas
- Sing Christmas carols while you, your friends or family gather around the kettle.
- Develop a challenge among your friends, colleagues or even rivals to see who can raise more funds. (Think Team A vs. Team B)
- Dress up! Some of our volunteers wear fun holiday clothing!
For more information, please call 941-748-5110 and ask to speak with the Volunteer Coordinator.
The services and programs provided by The Salvation Army are funded by the generosity of our donors. While we receive some grant funding, the bulk of our revenue stems from local support.
Here are some facts about donations to The Salvation Army:
- When you donate online or through one of our mail campaigns, that donation stays in your community.
- By dropping a dollar in one of our Red Kettles at holiday time, that dollar helps your community.
- If you donate clothing or household goods for our resale shops, funds raised through the sales of these items support our substance abuse rehabilitation programs.
- When you leave money to The Salvation Army through your estate, that aids the long term sustainability of The Salvation Army.
- By participating in either Angel Tree or Adopt-A-Family programs, you support local families through a Salvation Army program.
- Your donations “Do The Most Good” for those in need. Your support may become a free dinner, a night in our shelter or a case management program to help clients gain independence and sustainability.
Join the Bed and Bread Club
What is the Bed and Bread Club? It way for donors to make monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual donations to support the shelter and feeding programs at The Salvation Army. To get more information or set up your club membership, call 941-757-5773 or click below to set up your membership online.
In addition to the Bed & Bread Club, please use the links below to make a one-time donation now, learn about donating clothing, toys and household items, or to include The Salvation Army in your estate planning.
The Salvation Army is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization and gifts are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
Donate Now
Donations help us meet the basic needs of food and shelter. We provide a FREE community dinner 365 nights each year – for some, this is the only nutritious meal they have each day. We also operate an emergency shelter, which is open 365 nights/year. Your donation helps us Do the Most Good.
Cash donations are accepted at our office, located at 1204 14th Street West in Bradenton. In addition, we have holiday kettles and bell ringers at all Manatee County Publix and Walmart stores, as well as several other retail establishments, in November and December.
You may mail a check to: The Salvation Army, 1204 14th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34205
Donate online by clicking here.
Join our Bed & Bread Club to make automatic monthly, quarterly or annual contributions to The Salvation Army. For more information on the Bed & Bread Club, contact Kelly French at 941-757-5773 or kelly.french@uss.salvationarmy.org. You can also click here to join the Bed & Bread Club.
The Salvation Army is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization and gifts are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
Donate Goods
Cleaning out your closets? Moving? Handling a loved one’s estate? Maybe, your children are outgrowing their clothing, shoes or toys. Not sure what to do with all these items?
For those things that have lost their usefulness in your home, but are still in good and usable condition, you can donate goods to The Salvation Army. We have two ways of using these items. First, you can designate that they be used by clients we serve in our shelters. We advise calling first to make sure it is something we can accept. For example, right now, we need bath towels and wash cloths for our Women and Children’s Shelter.
Second, your donated goods can be sent to one of our Salvation Army Family Stores. Funds raised at our resale stores support the Adult Rehabilitation Center. You can drop off small items at our administrative office during business hours. You can also schedule a pickup for larger items, such as furniture, by clicking here or calling 1-800-SA-Truck.
Fine print: Currently, the closest Salvation Army Family Store is located at 2280 17th Street in Sarasota.
Angel Tree and Adopt-A-Family
Every day, hard working families in our community struggle to make ends meet. With rents/mortgages, car payments, medical bills, rising grocery costs, child care and educational expenses, families have to stretch every penny. Then, along come the holidays and it is time to buy presents. For these families with children ages 14 and younger, the Angel Tree and Adopt-A-Family programs can aid with that burden. The Salvation Army, through these two programs, connects donors who want to help to families who need it. Consider adopting a single child or an entire family this holiday season.
What is the difference between Angel Tree and Adopt-A-Family?
The Angel Tree program allows donors to buy new presents for a single child, while with Adopt-A-Family, the donor takes the responsibility to buy new gifts for the entire family.
Help Sustain
A planned gift, through your will, estate, life insurance or annuity will help The Salvation Army sustain and serve future generations.
The Salvation Army relies on the generosity of donations and foundation grants to meet the basic needs of our programs and services. Often, how a gift is made can have dramatic impact on helping meet a donor’s long and short-term objectives.
Thanks to our government’s ongoing encouragement of the private support of charities, most gifts to a qualified charitable organization come with tax benefits. However, in many situations it is possible to receive more than just a charitable income tax deduction.
Certain types of donations allow donors to bypass capital gains taxes on appreciated assets, significantly reduce estate taxes and establish a new source of income for yourself and your family.
The professionals in our Office of Planned Giving help you match your gift with your objectives. They provide with no obligation, confidential information that will ensure that your gift – whether cash, insurance, stock, property or a gift in trust – is timed to meet your objectives and deliver maximum value.
Your support is greatly appreciated and we are available to provide you with information and assistance in this important matter. If you need wording to include The Salvation Army in your estate plans, creating a life income for you and your loved ones, or in updating or creating your estate plans, please do not hesitate to contact Mark Romano toll free at 800-758-2769.
“My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways,”
Proverbs 23:26
About Us
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Our churches, known as corps, are made up of congregations of soldiers (church members). Worship services meet regularly on Sunday mornings and host other activities throughout the week.
Considered a protestant denomination of the Christian Church, Salvation Army beliefs align with the mainstream of Christian beliefs. Salvation Army Officers are ordained ministers who provide ministerial duties for their congregations and perform marriages and dedicate children.
We welcome you to visit our church.
Worship Times
Sunday
Sunday School-9:30 AM
Worship-10:45 AM
Bible Study & Prayer
Tuesday – 10 AM
Women’s Ministry
Thursday mornings – 9:45 AM
Youth Programs
Tuesday – 5:30 PM **Dinner included
Music Programs & Practice
Junior Band – Wednesday – 5:30 PM**Dinner included
Senior Band – Wednesday – 7:00 PM
Location
The Salvation Army Center for Worship in Manatee County is located at 5328 24th Street East, Bradenton, Florida, 34203. The church sits at the corner of 24th Street East and 53rd Avenue East (State Route 70), just west of U.S. Hwy 301.
For more information on worship services and ministry programs, please call 941-748-5110.
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6
The Youth Development programs offered by The Salvation Army blend a message of love and faith, while building character and instilling self-confidence.
Open to kids between the ages of 4 and 18, The Salvation Army offers youth programs on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm. Together, the kids enjoy a nutritious meal and then break into smaller groups based by age.
Each group provides kids with a warm, encouraging and spiritual environment where they are engaged in fun activities and crafts that tie in to a lesson. In addition to the weekly Tuesday night program, The Salvation Army also offers a summer camp opportunities and Vacation Bible School.
For more information about the Youth Programs offered at The Salvation Army, please call 941-748-5110.
Rescheduled for April 10, 2021!
The Kids-2-Kamp Golf Tournament, originally scheduled for March 21, 2020 has been rescheduled to April 10, 2021. The event will feature a best ball scramble style format with a 1 pm shotgun start at Rosedale Golf & Country Club. Registration will open at 11:30 am, a dinner will be provided after the tournament.
If you registered for this event in 2020, your registration is still valid, please just email Kelly French to provide updated names and handicaps for your team's golfers.
Interested in registering a team or purchasing an event sponsorship? You may call Kelly French at 941-757-5773, email Kelly French. Online registration has closed for this event.
About Kids-2-Kamp
In 2020, The Salvation Army of Manatee County opened a summer day camp for Manatee County children. The goal was to begin just after Memorial Day and the close of the 2019-20 school year and end just before school resumes. We planned to have capacity for 50 children. Then came COVID.....
After thoughtful considering, we went ahead and held a four-week camp beginning June 30. Themed "Mars & Beyond" the kids learned about the solar system and space exploration. They even built and launched their own rockets! In addition, since they could not go on field trips, several field trips were brought in for the kids. Some were sad when summer came to a close because they enjoyed the program so much. Best of all, each child and teacher stayed healthy!
Registration for the Kids 2 Kamp Summer Day Camp is NOW OPEN!
The Kids 2 Kamp summer day camp program for 2021 will run from June 7 to July 30.
Registration is now open! Click here to register your child. A $25 registration fee will be due before May 17 if your child is accepted. Due to COVID precautions, spaces are limited!
Kids 2 Kamp includes:
Arts & Crafts
Character Building Exercises
Recreational Activities - Outdoor Games
Field trips/Special Guests
Reading
Vacation Bible School
Details:
Camp will run Monday - Friday from June 7 until July 30, 7:30 am-5:30 pm
Breakfast & Lunch are included!
All children will participate in the Suncoast Grade Level Reading program and use our computer lab for extra reading help. Avoid the "summer slide" while having fun and earning prizes!
Registration fee - $25 per family, due by May 17
Weekly tuition - $50/week/child
For more information, please call 941-748-5110.
Special Thanks Those Who Have Supported This Program
Bradenton Kiwanis Foundation
Bradenton Rotary Foundation
Green Family Foundation
W. Paul Hoenle Foundation, Inc.
Manatee County School District
The Patterson Foundation
Events Happening Now
Youth Programs – Tuesdays from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm– Center for Worship – 5328 24th Street East, Bradenton
Hispanic Women's Bible Study – Tuesdays from 6 pm– Center for Worship – 5328 24th Street East, Bradenton
Estudio Bíblico y Oración para mujeres. El servicio es en Español, los Martes a las 6:00 PM en 5328 24th Street East, Bradenton
Social Seniors – Wednesdays from 10 am - 12 pm– Center for Worship – 5328 24th Street East, Bradenton
Narcotics Anonymous – Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 6 pm – Pathway of Hope Life Skills Center
Upcoming Events
To learn more about any of our events, please call 941-748-5110.
NELLIE | The first female member of the LAPD
News, Womens MinistryA page from the Los Angeles Herald newspaper announcing Capt. Nellie Truelove’s commission as a member of the LAPD On March 4, 1903 the Los Angeles Herald newspaper reported that Salvation Army Captain Nellie Truelove would be the first woman “to be given a right to wear the nickel star and swing the black club of police authority.”