Service Partnership: Salvation Army Family Shelter

Connecting with Gail Stark, the community relations coordinator at the local Salvation Army command a few years ago has made all the difference in the world for Shorecrest students to get access to opportunities to serve. Over the past four years, the number of projects students completed for the organization has increased dramatically.

The Upper School students, led by art teacher Ms. Charla Gaglio, painted two murals for them. In 2013, the wall of the playground area was painted and prominently featured in the Tampa Bay Times. In 2014, an interior wall gained a serene scene from the marina based on a photograph taken by one of the high school participants in the Mural Painting group.

Each summer, sixth grade teacher Mr. Cruise takes his Community Service Campers to volunteer for the Salvation Army. Over the years, the middle-school-age participants have been able to mulch a playground, clean, rearrange rooms, prepare for meal service and more.

Several eighth graders have worked with the Salvation Army to make community connections for their Personal Projects, which has allowed them to be familiar with a service partner organization and get a head start on earning service hours during the summer leading up to freshman year.

Memorable contributions have also come from the Kindergarten classes. With Mrs. Minke’s leadership, kindergartners have been introduced to the work of the Salvation Army in age-appropriate ways. The students visit the shelter and see for themselves that some families need help and the Salvation Army provides a safe place for them. They’ve baked, made fleece blankets, provided holiday decorations and donated food for the pantry, among many other things. They have also donated quilts made through their annual quilting project, some of which are proudly displayed in the facility. Each year, when Kindergarten students visit during their field trip, they get to see the work of students who came the years before them.

“The Salvation Army and the people we serve are so thankful for the investment of time and talent the students and teachers of Shorecrest have made! From a beautiful and tranquil mural in our dining room to patriotic centerpieces on Memorial Day to loving handmade quilts for our family shelter, we are overwhelmed by your selflessness and your ability to brighten the lives of others.” said development director Randi-lyn Farrell.

We are grateful for opportunities which allow our students to develop their commitment to caring for and doing for others, and especially for our service partner organizations that readily open their doors to Shorecrest students to serve.