The Salvation Army annually distributed toys at Christmas time. A lineup of children and adults look over the wrapped and unwrapped presents in the beribboned headquarters on December 23, 1955. Corps members assist a small girl with the swaddled doll and cradle while another young girl in kerchief listens quietly. Photograph ordered by the Salvation Army. (TNT 12-24-55, A-9) TPL-9641

Salvation Army (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Holidays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Toys; Children playing with toys--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Salvation Army has served Tacoma since 1888 as a vital segment of community life. In 1922, a new citadel, pictured a few months after completion, was constructed at 109 South 13th St. Architects Hill, Mock & Griffin designed the masonry and stucco structure built on the site once proposed for the Union Pacific Railroad depot. The flag was raised at the June 25, 1922 dedication by a delegation from the American Legion consisting of a soldier, a sailor and a marine. The building was erected at a cost of $42,000, with most of the funding supplied by the Tacoma Elks Lodge. TPL-6360; G21.1-183 (TNT 6-21-22, p. 3-article)

Salvation Army (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930;

On December 23, 1949, Sr. Capt. Heber Sainsbury of the Salvation Army and his wife filled cardboard boxes with fresh food to be distributed to needy Tacomans for Christmas. The Tacoma Branch of the Salvation Army was founded in July, 1888. In 1922 they built a headquarters building at 109 So. 13th St. In 1949, the Salvation Army helped over 7,500 people with meals, beds, garments and jobs; they helped 14,000 persons obtain employment; and made over 8,000 visits to local hospitals. Mr. Sainsbury and his wife came to Tacoma in August of 1949, having previously served the Salvation Army in Walla Walla, Everett, Helena, Montana, and the Hawaiian islands. (T.Times 8/27/1949 p.7) TPL-8107

Salvation Army (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Food--Tacoma; Celery--Tacoma; Holidays--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Sr. Capt. Heber Sainsbury (standing, far right), volunteers and other Salvation Army workers served Christmas dinner to almost 50 men on Christmas Eve 1949 in the Salvation Army Building, 109 South 13th Street. Large stacks of bread and serving bowls were placed along the dining hall's long tables. In 1949, Tacoma's Salvation Army helped over 7,500 people with meals, beds, garments and jobs. Besides serving dinner in their building, they also prepared and distributed cartons of fresh food so that needy Tacoma families could prepare their own Christmas dinners.

Salvation Army (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Food--Tacoma; Holidays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Eating & drinking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Homeless persons--Tacoma--1940-1950;