“Angels” Over Australia: Flying Padres Celebrate 80 Years in the Sky

Australia: The Flying Padres are Salvation Army officers who carry the Christian message to remote, rural communities and isolated people across the top end of Western Australia and Northern Territory via small planes. Multiple events were held over the weekend of September 20th to commemorate the ministry. Beneficiaries of the ministry and retired officers who served in the Flying Padres gathered to share how the effort has impacted their lives. 

“Getting to remote communities is key and so are our planes,” said Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas. “Our ‘salt of the earth’ officers have been in the lives of people who live on these properties for 80 years, and this continues from generation to generation. [It’s an] enduring legacy.”

The Flying Padres are often called upon to conduct funerals, memorial services, wedding ceremonies or child dedications as well as Christian education classes and Easter and Christmas services.

The US War Cry Celebrates 145 Years!

United States: The War Cry was first published in January 1881. This year, The War Cry begins its 145th year with a new design that both borrows from its past and charts a new path. National Publications thanks God for the ministry of The War Cry through the decades and for the scores of writers, artists and editors that have contributed to its remarkable legacy.

AI Tech Keeping Buffalo’s $100M Salvation Army Development Project on Track

Buffalo, New York: A new Salvation Army facility is being constructed in Buffalo, NY, starting with a shelter for families experiencing homelessness. The construction team is using Buildots, an AI progress and delay forecasting tool, to bring added efficiency to the site. Major Annette Lock, Erie County Salvation Army director of operations, believes that this collaboration with maximize every dollar donated.

“What the AI is doing is actually tracking every single element that is going into a building,” said Jessica Herrala, managing director of Buildots North America. The AI analyzes that information and images from the construction site to predict where issues might happen.

“There’s so much historic waste in the construction process period, so anything we can do to weed that out and compress and squeeze it out because we can make those decisions faster, the better off we are going to be,” said Frank Ciminelli of Arc Building Partners, who is overseeing the project.

World’s Tallest Red Kettle Lights Up Detroit’s Cadillac Square

Detroit, MI: The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit’s Red Kettle Kickoff featured the world’s tallest red kettle, measuring 56 feet tall and 24 feet wide. The kettle’s 26,000 LED lights lit up Cadillac Square at the tree-lighting ceremony while a brass band played festive tunes. Mounted on the tallest red kettle was an LED sign describing the impact of donations, and thanking The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit’s generous partners.

“It’s not just a holiday landmark, but this is a beacon of hope that symbolizes this great community’s generosity and the enduring mission of The Salvation Army,” Major Dawn Worthy, Metro Detroit area commander, said in an interview with WXYZ-TV Detroit before the event.

The holiday event attracted 100,000 people who filled the square to kickoff the important fundraising season and hear the meaning behind it. Reflecting on the occasion, Major Dawn observed, “To be able to speak to nearly 100,000 people about The Salvation Army was quite amazing, but to be able to pray with them was the best!”

Sheetz, Inc. Named 2025 Recipient of The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Award

National Headquarters: The Salvation Army bestowed its highest honor on Sheetz, Inc. in recognition of its Sheetz For the Kidz program, which has partnered with the Army since 1992 to provide toys, clothing and other essential items to children nationwide each holiday season. 

“The Sheetz For the Kidz Holiday Program is a demonstration of love in action,” said National Commander Commissioner Merle Heatwole. “Their commitment to bring joy to families in crisis reflects the very heart of our mission. We are grateful for their partnership and the hope they bring to communities year after year.”

“We are humbled by the outpouring of support from our customers, employees, and business partners, which allows us to reach even more kids each year,” said Brittany Funcheon, Executive Director of Sheetz For the Kidz. The charity has helped over 180,000 children since its founding.

All The World magazine goes online

International Headquarters, London: Across 140 years, All the World magazine has told the global story of The Salvation Army. What began in 1884 as a print publication – and aptly named by Salvation Army Founder William Booth – now steps boldly into the digital age, with a fresh format and platform, and a renewed mission: to make inspiring stories from every corner of the globe more accessible than ever before.  

Click here to read All the World. It will be a perpetual magazine with articles published on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Highlights from 2025 National Annual Report

United States: In 2024, The Salvation Army served nearly 28 million people across 7,461 centers nationwide, with 1.55 million volunteers contributing. These numbers represent the many ways The Salvation Army meets human needs by God’s grace through the remarkable efforts of those who choose to serve.

Hunger Relief

183,111,494 meals served.

Homelessness

10,075,059 nights of shelter provided.

Eviction Prevention

1,575,098 households supported with financial assistance.

Disaster Relief

1,234 disasters responded to, assisting 306,517 people.

Additional Services

14.49 million tangible items distributed, 737,224 transportation assists, 35,946 employment assists.

Ministry Activities

3.7 million church attendees and 4.5 million adult ministry participants.

Mission Centers

7,461 centers, including 1,257 food pantries, 302 emergency shelters, and 112 rehabilitation centers.

Five Creative Ways to Serve Your City

United States: You don’t need a title or a platform to make a difference. God can use what is already in your hands and those already around you. Every community has different needs, and every believer has something to offer.

Start where you are. Ask God, “Where are you calling me to restore something this year?”

Here are five creative ways to begin. Let them inspire your own ideas for serving in your city.

Bless Your City in Writing

Start the year by writing a short prayer or letter of hope to your city. Share it on social media or send it to a local school, hospital, or first responders.

Sidewalk of Hope

Use chalk to write uplifting messages or Scripture on sidewalks. Simple words like “You are loved” or “God sees you” can brighten someone’s day.

Build a Blessing Box

Set up a small weatherproof container in your neighborhood with snacks, socks, or hygiene items. Let people give or take as needed.

Adopt a Forgotten Space

Find a neglected alley, lot, or park and bring new life to it. Inquire with the appropriate person about how you can do something to improve the area, such as planting flowers, picking up trash, or painting something hopeful.

Host a “No Reason” Gathering

Plan a simple hangout like soup night, board games, or a movie on the lawn. Invite neighbors and create space for connection.

Want to serve others? Click here to connect with your local Salvation Army corps.

Photos via Matthew Abbott/The New York Times/Redux and William Timmons/The Salvation Army USA.