On Thursday, August 20, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation proudly presented $5,000 to The Salvation Army El Cajon Corps in support of its new Red Shield Center.

“The Salvation Army provides many activities to the East County region, ranging from after school programs to senior nutrition programs,” said Captain Sean Kelsey, The Salvation Army El Cajon Corps. “We are very fortunate to have this partnership with Sycuan and this donation is just another great opportunity for us to be able to meet the needs of our community.”

The Red Shield Center is located on the Salvation Army El Cajon Corps East County campus and opened its doors in November 2019. The center provides new social services including an expanded food pantry, teaching kitchen, new youth center and gymnasium. Additionally, the newly expanded community room will support many healthy activities such as exercise classes, yoga and senior wellness programs.

“Sycuan has a long history in this community dating back thousands of years,” said Tribal Chairman Cody Martinez, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. “The success of Indian gaming has brought our economy and our reservation to a level of being able to give back to the local community. Before gaming, our people were very much in need. However, today is a better day for us and we are proud to be able to support other organizations that are trying to make lives better every day.”

Since March of 2020, the Red Shield Center has transitioned to an emergency food bank and supplies nearly 2,000 meals to local families each week. Their current need for funding is critical.

HELP BY DONATING TODAY

Since March 16, 2020:

• Meals served to seniors: 16,228
• Meals served at all 5 East County sites: 98,000
• Boxes of food distributed: 28,100
• Diapers distributed: 73,808
• Pounds of pet food distributed: 2,200

About The Salvation Army

Since 1865, The Salvation Army has been fulfilling their mission of “Doing the Most Good” by fulfilling their one agenda, “To meet human need without discrimination.  The Salvation Army serves in 130 countries across the globe and helps 23 million Americans annually.  Here in El Cajon they are dedicated to helping the 23% of the local population who live below the poverty line.

For more information about The Salvation Army and Red Shield Center, or to learn how you can get involved, please visit elcajon.salvationarmy.org.