Croydon Salvation Army Citadel celebrates its 44 volunteers

Tea and cakes were served by The Salvation Army in Croydon this week as part of a celebration organised to acknowledge the people who serve the local community through volunteering at the church. 

Croydon Citadel has 44 dedicated volunteers who give their time weekly to help people who come to the church in need of support. This includes supporting at the weekly homeless drop-in where a hot meal is served, welcoming people who come for The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus service and helping at the church’s emergency food bank. 

To mark Volunteers Week, which runs from 1 – 6 June, The Salvation Army is giving thanks to its army of volunteers who help the church and charity provide vital services to local communities. As part of the celebration at Croydon, volunteers each received a gift of a pen and a little personalised card thanking them for their support. 

Community Services Director at Croydon Citadel, Chris Waldock expressed gratitude to the volunteers and acknowledged how they play a big part in the community support provided. 

Chris said: “We see the support we give to people at Croydon Citadel as a hand-up rather than a hand-out. There is such a wonderful sense of community working together with all our volunteers and we are so grateful to each person who gives their time to us. We couldn’t do as much as we do every week without this support.” 

Mary Russell-Redman (68) started volunteering at Croydon Salvation Army almost 15 years ago. She volunteered at The Well, the homeless drop-in, for 13 years and for the past two years has been involved with supporting people at the emergency food bank which helps a mix of individuals and families. 

Mary also leads on the Christmas Present Appeal at Croydon Citadel. She is now employed as a Community Administrator at the church two days a week but also continues to volunteer one day every week. 

Mary said: “I had never volunteered before but wanted to do something as my children had grown up and I had some free time. A Salvation Army band was out fundraising one day and knocked on my door, so I asked them if there were any volunteer opportunities at The Salvation Army. A couple of weeks later, I got a phone call from the officer who was at Croydon Citadel at the time asking to meet me and I’m here since. 

“My heart lies with the people we support; I feel it’s an honour and a privilege to help people in this way. I like getting to know people and find that where they come in for practical support some people also want to talk to someone about their situation, and I am always here to listen. There is such a supportive and encouraging team here in Croydon and I look forward to coming in every week.” 

Stewart Holt (59) began volunteering at Croydon Citadel one day a week a few months ago. He took early retirement two years ago to care for his wife who is terminally ill. Stewart sees his day at Croydon Citadel as a break from his caring duties. 

“I was made feel really welcome when I started volunteering and I am here every Monday to volunteer at the drop-in for homeless people. I help get the hall set up for the meal we provide, welcome people when they come in and serve dinners. 

“I find volunteering rewarding, it’s good to be able to give something back. Coming here to The Salvation Army lifts my mood particularly if I’m having a tough time with everything that is going on at home. I feel appreciated and valued and the people in the team here have become friends.”

For more information on the support Croydon Salvation Army provides: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/croydon-citadel