Field Notes: July 2026
"The work the athletes put in serves as proof that volunteering with The Salvation Army has real impact for everyone involved."
From Gridiron to Giving Back
Syracuse, New York: Many know The Salvation Army as an excellent place to volunteer. With each Army facility operating several different programs and services, there’s always opportunity to serve one’s community and build character. For the past several years, the Syracuse Orange football team from Syracuse University in New York have done just that, sending their players to The Salvation Army and other local organizations to volunteer. In particular, the athletes are involved in the Army’s daycare services, where they play with children and read to them.
“The kids love having them here,” said Deanna Delmonico, assistant director of development at The Salvation Army Syracuse Area Services. “They always get a kick out of having these big football players in the room with the little, tiny kids.” While the team has been involved with the community for several years, Deanna says they specifically reached out to The Salvation Army when the current head coach, Fran Brown Jr., started in 2023. Coach Brown found a safe space playing basketball at The Salvation Army growing up in Camden, NJ. His respect for the organization and appreciation for its work led him to include the Army in the effort to develop his football players into well-rounded men who make a difference in their community.
“It’s really important to [Coach Brown] that they are visible and out in the community with organizations, doing work with neighbors who need help,” said Deanna. She went on to say that the athletes have helped with many Army ministries, from the senior center to the family shelter, depending on what’s available and what help is needed. They’ve even been involved in Christmas fundraising, answering calls during the local Red Kettle Telethon. “People are so excited to call and get them on the phone.”
Having the team volunteer weekly has been an intentional effort to better both themselves and the city of Syracuse. “Our department has strategically partnered with numerous organizations in the greater Syracuse area to ensure that players get additional skills and life lessons off the football field that allow them to not only greatly appreciate Syracuse University, but the city as a whole, and the people of Syracuse,” said assistant coach G. Deon Maddox, director of player development for Syracuse University Football. “It’s fulfilling the mission and the standard that we want to set for Syracuse [athletes] to be community-oriented.”
Both Deanna and Coach Maddox say that the athletes enjoy working with the kids at The Salvation Army daycare and their time volunteering in the community. “They give specific feedback every week on the interactions with the kids, with the teachers, the way that it makes them feel, how they bring a smile to a child’s face,” said Coach Maddox. He goes on to say that Syracuse Football has created a partnership with the community, so the athletes benefit those around them and also get the enriching experience of volunteering. The work the athletes put in serves as proof that volunteering with The Salvation Army has real impact for everyone involved. You can contact your local Salvation Army today to see what volunteer opportunities are available.
Army Archives: “Threads of Community”
Peoria, Illinois: At a Home League gathering at Green Valley Camp, Brigadier Marjorie Kennedy and Major Ruth Hatfield are pictured in front of a patchwork quilt created by Home League members of the Central Illinois Eastern Iowa Division. The quilt features squares that reflect local identity, including symbols such as Abraham Lincoln for Springfield and a watermelon for Davenport, Iowa. Presented to Brigadier Kennedy in recognition of her service as divisional secretary of Home League, it represents fellowship, creativity, and shared purpose within The Salvation Army.
Photo via The Salvation Army Central Territory Museum
