A Legacy of Giving
For Anna and Keith, supporting The Salvation Army is more than a charitable contribution. It's a family tradition rooted in compassion, faith and a shared belief that everyone deserves a helping hand.
Their connection to The Salvation Army began long before they met. As children, both remember dropping coins into red kettles during the Christmas season. For Keith, those early lessons in generosity came from his parents, who encouraged him to give. But his family's connection to The Salvation Army goes back generations.
During World War I, Keith's grandfather received donuts and coffee from Salvation Army workers while serving in France. Decades later, his father experienced that same spirit of service during the 1967 Detroit Uprising, when Salvation Army personnel provided refreshments to those navigating the dangerous and uncertain conditions.
For Keith, these family stories reinforced a simple but powerful message: The Salvation Army is there when people need help most.
Anna's connection deepened through her 35-year career in the community mental health field, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges facing individuals and families. Through her work, she became familiar with The Salvation Army's substance abuse treatment and recovery services, gaining a greater appreciation for the organization's role in helping people rebuild their lives.
When Anna and Keith married, they began supporting The Salvation Army together, continuing a legacy of generosity that has now spanned more than 35 years.
Meeting People Where They Are
What inspires Anna and Keith most is The Salvation Army's ability to respond to people facing difficult circumstances with practical, compassionate assistance.
"What I appreciate most is that they meet people where they are," Anna shared. "If someone is hungry, they provide food. If someone needs shelter, they provide a bed."
Both are particularly passionate about the Bed & Bread program, which provides meals and shelter to individuals experiencing hunger and homelessness throughout metro Detroit.
For Keith, the organization's commitment to responsible stewardship is equally important.
"They treat every donation as if it were their own," he said.
Passing Along a Spirit of Generosity
Their generosity extends beyond financial contributions. Some of Anna and Keith's most cherished memories involve volunteering alongside their daughters at The Salvation Army's Echo Grove Camp in Leonard, Michigan.
From painting buildings to improving campgrounds, those experiences allowed their family to make a difference together while teaching the next generation the importance of serving others.
"The Salvation Army found meaningful volunteer opportunities for young people and made everyone feel included in the mission," Keith recalled.
Those experiences helped carry forward a family tradition of giving that began generations earlier, demonstrating that generosity isn't just about financial support. It's also about sharing time, compassion and a willingness to serve.
Inspiring Others to Give
After decades of support, Anna and Keith hope their story encourages others to discover the impact of giving.
Keith's advice to first-time supporters is simple: "Start small. Put a few dollars in a red kettle during the holidays and take the time to learn about the organization's work. Better yet, volunteer."
For Anna, supporting The Salvation Army also means helping more people understand the breadth of services available to those in need, from food and shelter to addiction recovery and opportunities for children and families.
Their story is a reminder that generosity isn't measured by the size of a gift, but by the difference it makes. What began with a few coins in a red kettle has grown into a lifelong commitment to helping others and a legacy that continues to inspire future generations.
Join Anna and Keith in making a difference. Give today to help The Salvation Army provide food, shelter and critical social services to neighbors in need—because your generosity can change a life.