Meeting Needs in New London

Captains Borrero Making a Difference

NEW LONDON - Captain Jose and Captain Melissa Borrero would like to express their gratitude to everyone who helped make the summer of 2013 a God Glorifying one at The Salvation Army's New London Corps. We would also like to take the time to thank them for all that they have already done since July 1, as they now look ahead into the future.

Here is a list of some of their accomplishments:

* The Corps partnered with The Kiwanis Club of New London to help nearly 200 kids receive Back-to-School supplies.

* Their Vacation Bible School saw an average of 40 to 50 children a day in attendance. Prayers are that God will continue to install upon these children the importance of what they learned during this time.

* As a continued outreach program, staff are consistently handing out clothing vouchers that are used at The Salvation Army’s Thrift Store nearby. These vouchers do not just help the area's homeless, but they also help entire families in need. There was an unprecedented week that saw two 3-alarm fires in New London that made this program even more significant. A typical situation where this program continues to be of critical assistance is when a person who has been newly released from prison will come in with just the clothes they left prison with.

* The Corps sent 20 kids to the Army's overnight youth camp, Camp CONNRI. The children had a week chockfull of fun and friendship.

* The Feeding Programs continue to be very popular. Staff continues to receive weekly, generous donations of bread from a variety of area businesses. People are consistently lined up before 9:00 am on the days bread runs are made. The Corps is also able to give out fresh produce twice a week. Along with these items, food baskets from the pantry continue to be a much-needed service to many hit with difficult times.

Here are some upcoming plans and events:

* The Corps will revive its regular Salvation Army Youth Programs (Rangers, Sunbeams, and Corps Cadets), beginning September 3. Make sure to Like their Facebook page for details, not to mention for frequent updates in general, as well as how to arrange for transportation if needed.

*The Corps plans to reestablish an After School Program from 4:30 - 5:30 pm a few days each week. Staff are hoping to draw the beginning group of kids from those who have already been connected to the Corps, either through Vacation Bible School or other programs.

*Staff are working on a Physical Fitness Program for kids, along with a boxing theme, where kids can work out in a circuit: using punching bags, ropes, etc. Once they secure funding, they will launch this new program.

*A good friend and supporter, George Holmes, will be presenting his 11th Annual 'Drum Extravaganza' on Saturday, October 12th, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. As done in the past, he will be generously giving the proceeds to The Corps in order to help with programming.

*Lastly, the Thanksgiving and Christmas Season will soon be here, with plans to serve the great need that accompanies the holidays already being formulated.

The Borreros, who are from Puerto Rico, became members of the Salvation Army in 1996, while living in Buffalo, N.Y. Jose graduated from the University of Buffalo as a radiation therapist in 2002. The couple entered a training school for Salvation Army Officers in 2004, and two years later they were commissioned as ministers and officers. As Commanding Officers are typically rotated every five years or so, New London marks the third assignment for the Borreros. They formerly served in Buffalo, as well as Vineland, N.J. In the end, they are happy to be where they are and the Southern New England Division is happy to have them.