The Salvation Army Seattle White Center Community Center, located right in the heart of the community at 9050 16th Avenue Southwest, is dedicated to its mission: to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Leading this crucial effort is Lieutenant Christopher Rodriguera, who along with his wife Makda serves as the facility's core officer, director, and pastor. Since arriving in July 2022, Lieutenant Rodriguera has embraced the community, noting that White Center is a "melting pot of different cultures".

As the year draws to a close, the focus intensifies on meeting those urgent human needs through seasonal programs, particularly the Angel Tree Christmas gift assistance program.

The Empowering 'Shopping Experience'

The Angel Tree program serves parents who are struggling financially but still want to provide hope and a meaningful Christmas for their children. Lieutenant Rodriguera’s wife Makda is in charge of running this comprehensive effort.

After weeks of registration, which continues up until December to ensure all families have a chance to sign up, the center’s gymnasium is transformed into a "big toy shop" thanks to community toy drives. There is documentation required including proof of residency and proof of children in the household of course.

This year marks the second year the center is utilizing a dignified shopping model. On distribution day, typically set for a Wednesday around December 17th, parents arrive and receive a grocery shopping cart and a $50 gift card for grocery shopping. They then enter the gymnasium to shop for their children's gifts.

Lieutenant Rodriguera emphasized the value of this choice: “The fact that they get to shop for their kid, it was huge for them,” he explained, noting that the experience is "even more dignifying" for the parents. He shared a powerful anecdote illustrating this importance:

"I spoke with a mom whose child was on the spectrum and she’s like, ‘I love this because sometimes you give a kid according to their age, but my child, he’s not at that mind set level as his age. So, he’s going to want a different toy. And the fact that I can give him something that he’s actually going to connect with and want is everything’".

The center welcomes volunteers to assist parents by shopping alongside them or helping with the necessary task of sorting and organizing the donations. To volunteer contact Makda.rodriguera@usw.salvationarmy.org

Holiday Meals and Year-Round Community Service

In addition to the Angel Tree program, the White Center Salvation Army provides crucial food and community services throughout the holiday season, embodying its dual purpose of blending faith and service.

The holiday efforts include programs specifically aimed at different demographics:

• Seniors: A Christmas luncheon and program is held for seniors on Tuesday, December 9th, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (with a $10 nominal charge).

• Community Dinner: On the evening of December 9th, the after-school program hosts a Christmas play at 5:00 p.m., followed by a dinner that is free for the public.

The facility operates year-round as a vital resource for the neighborhood, functioning as a community center, not just a church. It provides a senior social club and an after-school program tailored for low-income families, which includes homework help and enrichment activities like music classes for piano and ukulele. The center also serves those struggling with profound needs, including people on the streets who are experiencing homelessness or dealing with drug or alcohol addiction.

Lieutenant Rodriguera affirmed that serving these groups is part of their overarching purpose: "We are here to be there for the lost, to be there for those who don’t have a home and to be there for those who really are in need of community".

He wanted to emphasize that  donations made to the Red Kettle seen outside many retail locations is entirely for local needs. More than 83% of donations go to people who need assistance here in the area. The remainder is just for expenses.

The Lieutenant’s ultimate vision for the White Center location is deeply rooted in this mission of compassion and service:

"My goal is to make sure people know that here is a place where they can be loved, seen, and heard. . . If that’s anything that I could be known for is to just be in the hands and feet of Jesus"