April 2021 Newsletter
Hello Friends!
My name is Harryette O'Brien and together with my husband Sean we are the new Captains at The Salvation Army of Torrance. We have been serving here since September 2020 with our two wonderful children. We believe that God has called us as a family to minister to Torrance and surrounding communities.
Although we have only been in the South Bay a short time, we've been privileged to see God at work in exciting ways during a very challenging and unique time. Here are two examples that stand out:
Starting in March 2020 and continuing to this day, when the world stopped and people were asked to stay home, employees of The Salvation Army of Torrance got to work. We delivered food to individuals in local nursing homes and provide meals and hygiene items to people experiencing homelessness. The Stillman Sawyer Family Service Center was able to create partnerships with local companies donating baked goods, fruit, and canned goods to be given out to the community (seen in graphic below). The Crescendo School of Music and Dance quickly switched from in-person lessons, to completely online. The staff, teachers, and students have been working hard to ensure that music lessons continue. While the world is still figuring out how to function within the ever-changing COVID restrictions and tiers of safety, The Salvation Army of Torrance adjusts accordingly and ensures to help those in need and share the love of God.
Donors provided toys, household necessities, groceries, and more for families in need through our Adopt-a-Family and Christmas Angel Tree programs. For the 2020 holiday season, we gave out over 2,500 toys and other needed items to more than 200 families. Although we had to adjust distribution due to COVID health and safety restrictions, these important precautions did not stop The Salvation Army from helping to make the Christmas season a memorable one for kids and families. As the adults arrived to retrieve their gifts and toys, the families received wrapping paper, art supplies, and prayers. Everyone who approached the front doors knew that they were seen, heard, and loved. Sharing God’s love was the utmost priority. While 2020 took a toll on people emotionally, physically, financially, and spiritually, The Salvation Army was able to offer a ray of sunshine and the display the love of God. We are extremely thankful and grateful for the volunteers and donors who made the holiday season such a success.
We're thankful for this opportunity to share a little of what has been happening at the The Salvation Army of Torrance. Thank you for your support!
God Bless,
Captain Harryette O’Brien
The Salvation Army of Torrance
Serving Torrance, Lomita, Carson, Wilmington, Harbor City, and Palos Verdes Peninsula