Charity

Style of Tracy would like to commend the staff at our Lodi, CA Salvation Army. Style of Tracy and Watts Equipment Co, Inc are proud sponsors of the Lodi Salvation Army and we hope you are too!. We visited both the warehouse, located on Lockeford Street, as well as the main office and shelter facility, located on Stockton Street in Lodi, CA.

The particular day that I chose to visit was an important one for everyone at the Lodi Salvation Army. Watts Equipment Co, Inc. had donated 2 forklifts to the organization. the Lodi News Sentinal wrote this article >> read about the donation. Shirley Perreira, GM/President and Kelly Dolan, Sales Manager of Watts and I personally met with the director Lt. Dan Williams and he graciously gave us a tour and a realization of the greatness of the efforts and the magnitude of need for our Salvation Army here in Lodi. It was a heart warming and moving experience to meet the amazing staff and learn about all of the help they give directly to our Lodi community. Most of the staff on site were themselves in a position in their lives where they found a need to seek out the generosity and caring provided by this organization.

The exterior of the building gives no prelude as to what is being orchestrated inside. A large cafeteria serves over 200 people wonderful meals daily as well as over 400 on holidays... no one is turned away. Lt. Williams explained that, " everyone is provided a well prepared meal and he didn't care if President Obama was arriving for dinner. The meals given are made with the same consideration." Showers and freshly laundered clothes are offered to all who wish to receive them on a daily basis as well as beds for the night if room is available and clients enter and remain clean and sober. Extended stay programs are offered as well for those who would like the opportunity to recover from the set backs of life that have brought them into need. The impressive complete industrial kitchen is home to a culinary school providing training and certification to those who have qualified and moved through the program. The graduating students have a track record of obtaining jobs all over California. And, by the way I must add.. it was immaculately clean to the eye as well as to the nose! The people here are happy and everyone is treated with respect and never judged by their present situation but offered a way out if they are willing to make the changes necessary in their lives to do so. The woman's side of the building offers shelter to woman and those with young children.

There is never and hour of the day or night at this facility that the staff is not present and working. Laundry for individuals who have come to spend the night is washed and given back to them in the morning. It takes a 24 hour effort to undertake the massive amount of work it takes to offer these wonderful services to our community.

Their mission and goals are to get people back into life. Once they have gone through the program they are prepared and helped to gradually move out of the facility and become self reliant. They are helped every step of the way including the final program that even helps them financially start their own household. There are many success stories achieved and as long as you're willing to make positive changes in your life and work hard toward your goals the Salvation Army of Lodi is there for you every step of the way.

Style of Tracy and Watts Equipment Co, Inc would like to urge you to donate to the Salvation Army of Lodi. We have provided a link that will allow you to make your tax deducible donation directly to the Salvation Army of Lodi. You simply choose the area you wish your donation will benefit. It's plain to see that our money is going directly back in our community and making it a better place for all.

Article by:

Michelle Lang, Publisher