Joe Sidon, Real Living HER

Joseph Sidon currently serves as chair of the Salvation Army ARC Advisory Council, helping to implement the Army's mission. The Salvation Army was founded 1865 by Evangelist William Booth in 1865. It's mission was to help people in need through ministries and programs that bring hope.

Today, the Army is active in 10,000 communities and carries out its ministries in 109 countries, provides long-term solutions to the problems of homelessness, drug addiction, low literacy, unemployment and poverty.

It also operates a missing persons service, reuniting more than 2,500 people annually; provides camping opportunities to more than 107,000 seniors, children and parents last year; and when you make a purchase at a Salvation Army thrift store, you are helping men in the Army's 119 adult rehabilitation centers nationwide through work therapy.

Joe says, "My commitment to working with the Salvation Army stems from several years ago being asked to join the Advisory Council because of my many years of experience in retail store operations. Within the first few months I realized that the backbone of the Salvation Army is their Officers, who are also Ordained Ministers. They truly give their lives 24/7 to the causes and programs of The Army. Personally, I feel the most important part of my involvement is to make the work of the Officers, Major Lawrence Shaffer and his wife Major Naomi Shaffer, who I work most closely with, easier and most effective. Of course Holliday Bell Ringing is always the most fun for all."