The Counseling Corner
By Rev. Judith T. Lester, B.Min. M.Th
The Salvation Army includes social justice as part of its ministry work. God’s people have also recognized their responsibility toward social ministry. We are to care for others because Jesus directed us to do so. Some of the ways we can engage in the works of social justice is by feeding the hungry, clothing those who need clothes and caring for those who are oppressed. Jesus wrote in Matthew 25:35-40:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me …Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
As part of its social justice ministry each year, the Salvation Army sponsor its Coats for Kids drive. According to the Salvation Army, 1 in 4 Milwaukee children are living in poverty. During the winter months, many children arrive at school without a warm coat.
What You Can Donate
1. Each child’s coat is estimated at $30.00. The Salvation Army accepts monetary donations or in-kind donations of the following items:
• Slightly used coats, both children and adult sizes.
• New hats, mittens and scarves can be given along with your coat donations.
There are several drop-off sites in the Milwaukee area which includes the following Salvation Army locations:
Divisional Headquarters
11315 W. Watertown Plank Road, Wauwatosa
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Milwaukee Citadel Worship & Community Center
4129 W. Villard Ave, Milwaukee
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Milwaukee Cold Spring Worship & Community Center
2900 W. Cold Spring Rd., Milwaukee
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Oak Creek Centennial Worship & Community Center
8853 S. Howell Ave. Oak Creek
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Milwaukee West Worship & Community Center
1645 N. 25th Street, Milwaukee
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
The Emergency Lodge
1730 N. 7th Street, Milwaukee
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
The Salvation Army Distribution Center
5880 N. 60th Street, Milwaukee
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Steinhafels and Johnson Bank also sponsors drop off locations. For a list of these locations, please visit the Salvation Army’s website at: https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/milwaukee/coatsforkids/. All winter coats are donated and collected in collaboration with FOX6 News.
Beloved, consider giving in support of the Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids drive. Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” -Matt. 25:40
Next Week: Conclusion
The writer does not assume responsibility in any way for readers’ efforts to apply, rely or utilize information or recommendations made in this article, as they may not be necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. This information is for educational purposes only. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.