the Salvation Army
noun /ðə sælˌveɪʃn ˈɑːmi/
/ðə sælˌveɪʃn ˈɑːrmi/
[singular]- a Christian organization whose members wear military uniforms and work to help poor peopleCultureThe Salvation Army was started by William Booth (1829-1912) in the East End of London in 1865. Since then it has grown to be a worldwide organization, with branches in over 100 countries. It does a wide range of charity work, and is especially known for providing centres for old people and people without homes. It holds religious services in public with music from brass bands, and its members wear military uniforms and have military ranks. In Britain, its members are sometimes seen in pubs collecting money for their work. In the US, they are known for singing carols and collecting money outside stores at Christmas time. The organization's magazine, The War Cry, has appeared every week since 1879.