Youth Field Trip Sparks Lifetime of Giving

Steve Tinker, 78, will never forget the first time he witnessed The Salvation Army in action. He was just 13 years old, visiting a Salvation Army service center in Minneapolis during a field trip with his confirmation class.

"It was revealing to me to see people in need and the help that The Salvation Army provided them," recalled Steve, who grew up in Richfield. "That visit made a permanent impression on me."

Permanent indeed: Steve went on to become a lifelong Salvation Army donor. In addition, he and his wife, Kathy, have included The Salvation Army in their will.

Steve and Kathy have created a wonderful life and legacy together, stemming from their impressive careers and their heart for sharing their resources. Kathy (retired) spent years working as a marketing professional, while Steve (semi-retired) worked as a marketing executive and developer of laundry products, including 31 years at Ecolab in St. Paul.

The couple supports many other worthwhile causes as well, including universities, hospitals, local scouting programs, and veteran groups.

As a U.S. Army and Vietnam War veteran himself, Steve appreciates The Salvation Army for its programs that support others who have served our country.

"There are a lot of unemployed and homeless vets, and The Salvation Army has a big impact on them," Steve said. "I especially like the Christian underpinnings of The Salvation Army and its emphasis on using sharing and caring to help others."

To learn more about including The Salvation Army in your will or trust, or adding The Salvation Army as a beneficiary to your IRA, please call Tom Cierzan, Senior Director of Gift and Estate Planning, at 651-746-3515.