East County News Service

(October 17, 2019 (El Cajon) -- The Salvation Army of San Diego announces the opening of the newly completed Red Shield Center at 1025 E. Main Street in El Cajon.

Located on the property adjacent to the current El Cajon Corps, the 29,540-square foot facility will offer more opportunity to positively impact the lives of those in need in the East County. The facility will open Saturday November 2^nd. There will be a ribbon cutting with dignitaries at 10am. The public is invited to enjoy the space starting at 11:00am with free tours, games and food.

East County News Service

December 9, 2016 (El Cajon) – iHeart Media San Diego’s KOGO-AM News Radio 600 is planning a live broadcast from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Target store parking lot, 250 Broadway, El Cajon, in support of the 40th annual East County Toy and Food Drive. KOGO's Cliff Albert, LaDona Harvey, Ted Garcia and Cal Walker will help collect donations benefiting the Salvation Army El Cajon Corps and East County families.

East County News Service

March 31, 2016 (El Cajon) -- As part of a Capital Campaign that will improve the lives of thousands, The Salvation Army in El Cajon will build a $5.4 million social services facility that will help to assist 1,500 families in East County every month. In a community where the poverty rate is approximately 30%--and 7,395 children living within two miles of our corps qualify for free or reduced price meals--the Salvation Army is there offering hope and a hand-up.  More than 40,000 are served from our El Cajon Corps annually with programs including: 

December 10, 2014 (El Cajon)--The El Cajon Valley Host Lions Club will deliver 100 Christmas food baskets on December 20^th starting at 7 a.m.

November 24, 2014 (El Cajon) – The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce will hold its next First Friday Breakfast  at the Ronald Reagan Community Center in El Cajon on December 5 at 7:15 a.m. Hosted and Sponsored by Viejas Casino & Resort, this special Holiday First Friday includes collecting toys for the East County Toy Drive established by Stoney’s Kids and the Salvation Army.  Bring an unwrapped toy like a soccer ball, curling iron, a bicycle, or a gift card for teens or tots and for each gift valued over $10, Viejas will give you a drawing ticket to win great prizes including an overnight stay package at the Viejas Hotel.  Go Here to reserve your seat for breakfast.

December 14, 2013 (Lakeside) -- This story falls into the “how low can you go” category.  On Wednesday evening, two crooks stole donations out of a red Salvation Army kettle in front of a Walmart store off Los Coches Road in Lakeside.  One thief distracted the bell ringer while his partner in crime stole about $150 to $200 in cash.

Captain Terry Masango with the Salvation Army in El Cajon said it broke his heart that someone would steal money meant to help the poor.  “If they had just come to us and said, ‘We’re hungry,’ we would have helped them,” he said, the UT San Diego reported.

By Janis Mork

November 17, 2013 (El Cajon)- On November 14, the Salvation Army of El Cajon Corps held its 38^th annual Kettle Kick Off party at Hooleys Irish Pub and Grill in the Grossmont Center mall. The day after, people started ringing bells at different businesses for people to put money in the red kettles to raise money for East County children and families in need during the holiday season. This year will be a challenge because of when Thanksgiving falls, and the season will be shorter than last year. The organization hopes to provide 500 families with Thanksgiving baskets.

ECM interviewed Captain Terry Masango (photo, left), administrator of all of Salvation Army’s services and pastor of the Salvation Army El Cajon Corps Community Center.  “We have senior homes, serve meals to the seniors, have after school youth programs, and serve groceries to 1100 families a month,” he said, adding that Salvation Army believes in offering help to those in need as part of its mission. ”We’re also in the process of registering 1400 families for Christmas.”

The San Diego Bicycle Club’s 24th Annual Light up a Life Holiday Toy Drive

May 16, 2011 (El Cajon) – Captain Darren Norton and his wife, Mary, will be transferred from the Salvation Army’s El Cajon headquarters to accept new assignments as the Corps Officers at the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps effective June 29th. Captain North has headed up many activities in East County for the Salvation Army, including the annual East County Toy & Food Drive each holiday season as well as efforts to help fire survivors.

December 2, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Santa Claus will soon be getting some exercise. Instead of riding in a sleigh drawn by reindeer, Santa will utilize pedal power as he leads over150 bicyclists in the San Diego Bicycle Club’s 23rd annual “Light up a Life” holiday toy drive on December 11th.