Six Memphis Men Organize Carnival for Salvation Army Kids

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, June 2, 2010 - On May 22, members of the Organization, a group of six men dedicated to working together for the betterment of the Memphis community, hosted a carnival for children at The Salvation Army’s Purdue Center of Hope.

The Organization provided the children in The Salvation Army’s Emergency Family Shelter and Renewal Place program with food, games and prizes, making for a fun-filled afternoon. More than 40 children jumped on a moon bounce, enjoyed a hay ride, had their faces painted, danced with Elmo, received balloon animals and played a variety of other games during the carnival.

“We’ve been working with the children at The Salvation Army for about a year now,” said Ronnie Parker, president of the Organization. “We believe children are our most valued commodity, and a lot of these children have had a rough life. We owe it to the kids to let them have a good time. Plus, it’s important for the children to interact with supportive men who can act as positive role models.”

“We are always so grateful for the men in the Organization for getting involved with these kids,” said Joyce Waters, director of the Emergency Family Shelter. “So many of these children are without father figures, and the men in the Organization have a positive impact on them. The kids had a blast at the carnival.”

For more information on The Salvation Army, please visit www.salvationarmymemphis.org.