PRESS RELEASE
Don’t Walk Past ‘Stars for Seniors’
Tree at Maplewood Mall
December 11, 2009 – ROSEVILLE, Minn. – Don’t walk past the “Stars for Seniors” tree at Maplewood Mall in St. Paul. Instead, stop by for information about how you can bring yuletide cheer to senior citizens in need.
The Stars for Seniors tree, located on the bottom floor of the mall near Barnes & Noble, includes ornaments with gift lists from seniors and disabled persons served by The Salvation Army Adult Day Center in Maplewood. Now through Dec. 16, shoppers are encouraged to pick an ornament off the tree, buy a gift and then deliver the item to the Adult Day Center, located a few blocks away at 2080 Woodlynn Ave. All gift suggestions are inexpensive items such as clothing and toiletries. So far only about a dozen stars have been picked off the tree.
Stars for Seniors benefits Adult Day Center seniors such as 91-year-old Helen Hallman. The Salvation Army first served Hallman in 1925, giving her a ceramic tea set as a Christmas gift. She still has one of the tea cups.
“I remember thinking that The Salvation Army was Santa Claus,” said Hallman, reflecting on when she was an 8-year-old living with her poverty-stricken family in St. Paul. “Ever since, I’ve always thought a great deal of The Salvation Army and love what they do.”
In addition to the Stars for Seniors tree, another important Salvation Army opportunity is available at Maplewood Mall: bell ringing.
Five kettle stands are waiting to be staffed at the mall now through Dec. 24. Shifts typically last two hours, during which time volunteers raise an average of $60 – enough money to feed and shelter a homeless person for two whole days.
Oakdale resident Michelle Anderson believes bell ringing is a great family activity. On Dec. 4, she bell rang at the mall with her two children in memory of her grandma, a Salvation Army supporter who had died exactly one year prior.
“I had walked past a kettle a few weeks ago and it brought tears to my eyes,” Anderson said. “I thought bell ringing would be the perfect way to honor grandma.”
For information about bell ringing click here or call 651-746-3400.
The Salvation Army appreciates Maplewood Mall for its holiday support.
“Between the Stars for Seniors tree and our kettle stands, Maplewood Mall is making it possible for The Salvation Army to serve countless people in need,” said Major Darryl Leedom, commander of the Twin Cities Salvation Army.
“For years, Maplewood Mall has provided the community a place to shop, meet friends, and enjoy a day with the family. The wide variety of events are opportunities to give back to the community," said Heather Norsten, Director of Marketing and Business Development. “By hosting charitable events at the mall and engaging the local residents, we are able to deliver on our commitment to bring value-added experiences and entertainment to our shoppers, as well as contribute to a great cause and help families in need this holiday season.”
The Twin Cities Salvation Army serves more than 200,000 people a year through its 25 local centers of operation. Daily it serves 2,000 hot meals and shelters 850 people. More than 14,000 local volunteers help The Salvation Army provide a multitude of services, from child daycare to senior housing. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a donation, please call 651-746-3400 or toll free at 800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave. N, Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
