'A Privilege To Serve': NJ Salvation Army Leader Talks Purpose During Annual Week Of Giving

It's "National Salvation Army Week," the government-declared period each year that pays homage to the programs that volunteers and others conduct everyday to benefit those in need.

These include food assistance, emergency support, youth programs, housing services, and holiday gift drives.

"The responses vary by the situation, sometimes it's joy, sometimes it's gratitude, sometimes it's relief!" New Jersey Divisional Commander Major Brett DeMichael told Patch of his 27 years of full-time service. "Often it's a combination of all those things, and more. But whatever the response is, it's a privilege to serve."

This year in New Jersey, the organization is hosting its first new type of event statewide as a fundraiser to spread awareness of the good that goes around beyond the holiday red buckets and bells.

"Running for the Most Good" is a virtual 5K run or walk that participants can complete from any location through Sunday.

Runners can register for a base level of $25 and a "premium kit" level of $50.

"By doing something many of us do every day...we can make a difference in our communities for our neighbors in need," added DeMichael of what has been an "incredibly encouraging and powerful reminder of what can happen when communities unite."

The funds raised, according to the group, support year-round programs that serve every zip code in the state.

Nearly 36 million people in the United States live in poverty, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and around 18 million households live with food insecurity.

In 2025, the Salvation Army was able to provide more than five million meals, around 10,000 nights of shelter, and gave away nearly 100,000 toys to children and families.

The organization is also an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church.

It is during one of these services, DeMichael said, that he witnessed a side of the Salvation Army that the holiday shoppers and occasional thrifters may not know is also going on behind the scenes in terms of building relationships with others.

Most of their churches have a "praise team" that leads congregational singing and includes a vocalist and a number of other musicians.

On a recent Sunday morning, DeMichael and his wife visited a location that was led by a pastor on guitar and teenagers filling out the remainder of the band.

"Eighteen months ago, most of them were brand new beginners, and certainly none of them were playing in church," he added.

Now, the group had members who learned to play two other guitars, a bass guitar, a keyboard, drums, and auxiliary percussion.

"These kids were doing life together: learning music and life lessons, rehearsing, developing their talents, forming important relationships, and participating in an important way with their church. That doesn't just happen," DeMichael said, and called it "The Salvation Army at its finest."

He credits the continuous work of the Salvation Army's many pastors and volunteers for helping to bring America's youth along in ways like this.

Beginning in London in 1865, the Salvation Army now serves all walks of life in over 100 countries worldwide.

Click here to learn more about how you can help or to find a service center nearby.

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