Who’s Writing This Blog??

My name is Amanda Grieves and I am the Human Resources and Social Media Manager here at The Salvation Army- Nashville Area Command.  During the months of October through December I also serve as the Angel Tree Program Coordinator and handle the day to day activities of the program which includes logistics, contracts, leases, registration, sorting of gifts and distribution.

I was born and raised until the age of 12 outside of Chicago, IL and lived from the age of 12 to 18 in the great state of Maine.  I moved to Nashville at the age of 18 and lived out of my car for a short time, crashing on the floor of strangers and hotel rooms when I could.  My very first bed, a year later was purchased at The Salvation Army Thrift Store on Nolensville Pike and to this day, I thank God every night for a bed!

Over the past 18 years in Nashville I have met some amazing people and have had the privilege of  experiencing some wonderful things…some not so wonderful but life changers and character builders all the same.  I know what’s it’s like to be cold, to not have heat in below zero temps to only rely on the layers of clothing you possess then slide into your bed until morning.  I know what it’s like to eat nothing but saltines until your first paycheck arrives and the feeling of excitement at knowing you have enough cash for the Shoney’s buffet.  Now my hard times pale in comparison to what many have personally experienced, but none the less it has shaped me into who I am.  I live to serve others, to create impact and be a part of life change in everyone I come in contact with.  There were some very instrumental people in my life that I will never forget and if I can give back and pay it forward I want to because it’s all about “Others!”