November 30, 2010
The Salvation Army – Wichita City Command has been awarded a $30,000
grant by Koch Industries, Inc., making it the largest single grant received by the local charity
to date in 2010. The funds will be used to meet critical needs and to purchase new furniture
for its Youth Residential and Emergency Shelter facilities at the Koch Center in downtown
Wichita.
Misty Harding, director of Youth Residential Services, said the new furniture will replace
some that is 13 years old. “We’ve made do as long as we could and have been good stewards
of the furnishings we had,” said Harding, “but 13 years is a long life for furniture that gets so
much use. This gift will have a positive effect on our program delivery by providing settings
that are comfortable and functional. It’s also a mental boost for our kids who are really
looking forward to new surroundings and the chance to redecorate.”
Long-standing, wide-ranging support from Koch
Koch Industries, the Fred C. and Mary R. Koch Foundation, and the Koch family have been
major contributors to the Wichita Salvation Army for decades. “This is the largest grant
we’ve received in several years and we are grateful for Koch’s long-standing support,” said
Major Douglas Rowland, Wichita City Commander. “Koch has been such a blessing to the
mission of The Salvation Army in this community. Year after year, they have substantially
contributed to all areas of our operation.”
“The Salvation Army is a critical part of the Wichita-area community,” said Susan
Addington, manager of community affairs for Koch Industries, Inc. “Their services touch
thousands of lives every year, and provide an important safety net for those less able to help
themselves. We believe in what they do, the transformational effect they can have on
people’s lives, and we are proud to support them.”
“Koch’s generosity is seen and felt throughout The Salvation Army,” said Rowland. That
history includes a $1 million grant from Koch Industries, Inc. to fund construction of the
Koch Center which opened in 1997 in downtown Wichita. The center houses many of The
Salvation Army’s social services programs.
Rowland added, “Their contribution to the Greensburg disaster helped so many families
rebuild their lives. Year after year, Koch employees are generous contributors to our school
supply landslide and Christmas Angel Tree programs, both of which help thousands of
children and families in our community. Liz Koch has served more than a dozen years on
The Salvation Army National Advisory Board and is currently in her second term. Our
Wichita Advisory Board president is a Koch employee. There isn’t a program or aspect of
our organization to which Koch hasn’t contributed either directly or indirectly,” he said.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army serves Wichita with youth and emergency shelter residential services,
foster care, emergency social services, disaster services, Biddy Basketball and operates Camp
Hiawatha. The Salvation Army is an international movement operating in 122 countries
worldwide. It is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its ministry is
motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet
human needs in His name without discrimination.
The Salvation Army – Wichita City Command • 350 N. Market • Wichita, KS 67202
316 263-2769