See the global impact The Salvation Army has in the world.

This month we showcase Salvation Army, who's efforts and desires are to help those who are less fortunate and help bring peoples their Dreams Alive. Sometimes, the biggest caretakers become shadowed by time and we just get used to them being there. The Salvation Army is one such institution. Many of us only associate them with trying to raise a few dollars by ringing Christmas bells at the mall, but they do so very much and are found everywhere around the globe. We need to look at them again because we have taken them for granted.

With Christmas on the horizon, you are making the list of things you will buy for your children, spouse, family and friends. Bear in mind that there are many around you that don't have the capacity to provide your vision of Christmas to their own families. The reasons vary from one circumstance to another, but the end results are the same. Children and loved ones feeling left out and feeling they are less than the beautiful children of God they really are.

This year, as you make your lists and begin your shopping, do one more thing as well... Christmas Cleaning. Just like Spring cleaning, Christmas cleaning is where you take all the things you know you no longer need or have room for and you box them all up and take them to your local Salvation Army in the weeks before Christmas. No matter what you give to your family or loved ones this Christmas, your donation of clothing, toys and furniture will be the greatest gift of all. Christmas is not about giving, it's about loving, but in giving, there is a wonderful side effect that rewards both sides.

When you see the bell ringers at the mall this Christmas season, don't pass that kettle without stopping to say "Thank You". Bear in mind that The Salvation Army works in over 100 countries using more than 140 languages. There are over 14,000 Corps (centers for worship) as well as a wide range of social, medical, educational and other community services. Their world-wide program includes:

ACCOMMODATION FOR THE HOMELESS
The Salvation Army is home to more than 35,000 people throughout the year. More than 800 hotels are maintained for this purpose.

OCCUPATIONAL CENTERS
Almost 300 occupational centers contribute towards the rehabilitation of the people who come within the Armys care.

FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY
More than 2000 food distribution centers have been operated in the past year with additional feeding programmes being set up when needed.

CARE FOR THE ELDERLY
Over 16,000 elderly people spend the latter years of their lives in 780 residential centers which are run by The Salvation Army.

HEALTH CARE
27,210,000 patients are cared for annually in our 352 hospitals and clinics throughout the world.

WORK AMONGST CHILDREN
Over 200 childrens homes, day nurseries and creches, 13 holiday home, 79 fresh air camps and 430 clubs and play centers contribute to the happiness of 20,000 children every year.

EDUCATION
More than 1,400 primary and secondary schools provide facilities for the education of 300,000 children. A further 4,500 students receive instruction in our 20 domestic science and trade schools.

FAMILY WELFARE AID
More than 2.5 million families are helped every year.

REFUGEES
130 centers operate for those who are entirely destitute.

FIGHTING LEPROSY
2 leprosaria provide accommodation for the treatment of over 360 leprosy patients.

CONVALESCENT HOMES
After treatment in a Salvation Army hospital or clinic there can be no more congenial atmosphere in which to recuperate than that which is found in one of our 30 convalescent homes.

ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG ADDICTION
152 homes and centers for alcoholics, and a network of drug rehabilitation programmes around the world, have made it possible for The Salvation Army to help more than 15,000 people in the past year.

HELP FOR THE BLIND
18 institute provide a home and training for more than 1,600 blind people.

OTHER HANDICAPPED PEOPLE
The Salvation Army has 30 purpose-built homes for the physically handicapped, providing accommodation for more than 1,600 people. 14 leagues for the deaf are also in operation.

INVOLVEMENT WITH MILITARY PERSONNEL
Over 250 canteens, mobile units and hostels cater for the needs of military personnel.

MISSING RELATIVES
More than 10,000 missing relatives were traced through The Salvation Army's investigations work during the past year and over 35,000 enquiries dealt with.

CARE FOR OFFENDERS
Over 215,000 police courts cases were helped last year; 450,000 prisoners were visited and may received help on discharge.

REMAND/PROBATION HOMES
106 such homes run by The Salvation Army accommodate over 4,000 young offenders.

ANTI-SUICIDE COUNSELING
The Salvation Army's night patrols, rescue and anti-suicide missions helped more than 220,000 people last year.

REGISTERED COUNSELING SERVICES
Over 235,000 people received counseling from Salvation Army personnel during the year.

STUDENTS
78 residences are provided for over 5,000 students who need accommodation.

These are the on-going services of The Salvation Army. A mighty army of volunteers that join full-time personnel in meeting day-to-day emergencies which arise. Whether it be fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane or other natural or human disaster The Salvation Army endeavors to respond.

Let's all say "Merry Christmas" to the Salvation Army by contributing or volunteering to help bring somebodies Dream Alive.