The Salvation Army presents Melaleuca with highest national civic award

The Idaho Falls Center of The Salvation Army will honor Melaleuca with the organization’s highest national civic award, The Others Award, at the annual National Salvation Army Luncheon on May 23.

 The meaning of this prestigious award dates back to when The Salvation Army’s founder used the word “others” to describe the non-profit’s selfless mission. It recognizes the individuals and businesses who first think of others before themselves.

 The Salvation Army nominated Melaleuca for leading a regional donation drive and for purchasing vital medical equipment and supplies to benefit Hurricane Katrina and Rita victims. The company and its independent marketing executives contributed more than $1 million to hurricane victims, while co-gathering enough food, water, clothing and emergency supplies to fill 11 semi-trucks for Gulf Coast residents.

Reaching out to one family in need, Melaleuca CEO Frank VanderSloot helped New Orleans’ Ninth Ward evacuees Terrence and Trulisha Crawford by offering them a place to live, a job to get back on their feet and a car to drive. VanderSloot met the family by happenstance at a shelter in Baton Rouge just after they had lost everything. They ended up moving to Idaho Falls and living with the VanderSloot family for over a year.

The non-profit also recognized Melaleuca for supporting the annual bell-ringing fundraiser, sponsoring the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration on Independence Day and contributing in various ways toward enhancing the community and the nation.

“Idaho Falls remains a community where helping others is still part of our culture,” said Jonathan Cederberg, fundraising coordinator for The Salvation Army. “Certainly, Melaleuca has consistently demonstrated this spirit of generosity, proving that we can all make a difference in the lives of others.”

Melaleuca is only the second company from Southeast Idaho to receive this national award, with Idaho National Laboratory receiving it in May 2006.

“Our business was founded on the principle of enhancing lives and helping people achieve their potential,” VanderSloot said. “With the enthusiasm of our 2,500 employees and our vast network of independent business builders across the U.S. and Canada, we can work together with The Salvation Army to make miracles happen not only here in Idaho Falls but literally around the world.”

About The Salvation Army

Organized in 1878 by William Booth, The Salvation Army provides services for more than 30 million people each year. Membership consists of 3,500 officers, 60,000 employees, 113,000 soldiers, 430,000 adherents and more than 3.5 million volunteers. Visit www.salvationarmyusa.org for more information.

About Melaleuca

Melaleuca, The Wellness Company, fulfills its mission of enhancing lives by developing, manufacturing and marketing more than 350 natural health and wellness products. These health, home cleaning, pharmaceutical and personal care products are designed to be safer and more cost-effective than grocery store brands. For more information, see www.melaleuca.com.