“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” Calls on Albert Lea Salvation Army

Staff and volunteers from the Albert Lea Salvation Army are used to providing mass feedings during disasters. But from Sept. 30 – Oct. 8, they served up to 300 meals a day in happier surroundings: the set of the ABC reality show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, which was filming an episode near Albert Lea.

Captain Jim Brickson (pictured, left) led The Salvation Army’s efforts. He worked virtually day and night helping staff and volunteers serve meals, drinks and snacks to hundreds of locals and the show’s staff.

“Everyone was amazed at how fast we’re able to set up, but that’s what we train for,” Brickson said.

The Salvation Army partnered with Albert Lea resident Kim Nelson, who producers asked to coordinate the catering of six meals a day from local venders such as Hy-Vee grocery, Pizza Ranch and Savory Skillet. The Salvation Army helped Nelson serve the meals and keep them warm inside its mobile feeding kitchen (canteen). Without the help, she might have been in trouble.

“(Jim Brickson) saved my behind,” Nelson said with a laugh. “I don’t know how I would have made all of this happen.”

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition features designers, contractors and hundreds of workers who have seven days to rebuild an entire home of a family in need.

Selected for this episode were Dirk and Susan DeVries, who with their three children live on a 10-acre farm near Albert Lea. Dirk, who lost his arm in a farm accident, works as a mechanic at Royal Sports in Clarks Grove, Minn. Susan is a teacher at the nearby Hollandale Christian School and has been suffering from serious medical conditions. The family could not afford to fix their two-story farmhouse, which had a leaky roof, no insulation, and was plagued by mildew.
           
Brickson said although The Salvation Army probably won’t be on TV when the show airs in December, that’s not important.
           
“The community sees us here – that’s what matters,” he said. “As everyone in The Salvation Army knows, we are a ministry of presence.”

To view photos, click here.