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Feature Article
Linda’s
Legacy of The Salvation Army
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THERMAL
— “You see those kids?” Linda points toward
a group of sixth-graders at Westside School in Thermal. “They
have known me since kindergarten.” They grew up with
Linda, Operation Smile Saver, and The Salvation Army.
For eight years Linda Tucker, a Salvation Army volunteer,
has been saving smiles and self esteem for some of our valley’s
most economically disadvantaged children. She started Operation
Smile Saver because of concern about their health. Married
to retired dentist, Gerry, Linda knows the health problems
poor dental hygiene can cause.
When she found out that toothbrushes and toothpaste could
not be purchased with food stamps, she was spurred to action
and now serves almost 1,500 children. Ninety percent of the
funds come from public donations in The Salvation Army’s
Red Kettles. The remainder Linda makes up through recycling
and designated private donations.
Linda’s concern for these kids consumes her; she clips
coupons and watches sales all year. In January the team of
Salvation Army volunteers gives toothbrushes, toothpaste,
soap, school supplies and uniforms to every student at Westside
and Oasis schools in Thermal. Many of these children have
never had a toothbrush of their own, which is apparent in
happy smiles dotted with silver teeth.
Linda visits the schools all year. She encourages them to
do well in school and give back to their community. They see
that latter lesson first hand when Linda’s army of volunteers
arrives with an outpouring of Jesus’ love in smiles,
hugs and a special bag with a red shield.
Graduating sixth-graders is bittersweet for Linda, making
her weepy. She watched them grow up and helped shape their
world. She thinks of them as her “children.” Now,
as they leave their Westside nest, she hopes they will continue
the legacy, that they will bring up their own “children”
– those they touch in their lives – in her legacy
of reaching out. “Train up a child in the way he should
go and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs
22:6).
You can be part of Linda’s legacy, too, by volunteering
your time, treasure, and talents to The Salvation Army, (760)
324-2275.
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