The surprising heat during this year’s United Way Day of Caring on September 20, 2017, did not diminish the spirits of eight Women United volunteers.
Through United Way –Thomas Jefferson Area, we volunteered at The Salvation Army on Ridge Road. Our task was to transition the chapel back to its original function after the previous night’s Fifth Annual Telethon. Diane, the site janitor, and our host, Antonio Rice, Director of Development, quickly put us to work. With sleeves rolled up and muscles flexed, we hauled heavy stage backdrops into storage, re-positioned the band equipment back on stage, disassembled banners, dusted the pews and vacuumed.
Opened in 1912, The Salvation Army welcomes all who are in need. Rice put it best when he said, “We are the safety net for anyone who has lost their way.”
The Salvation Army serves hot meals 365 days a year and served 60,000 meals last year. They can also house up to 56 clients overnight. Food, shelter, clothes, and respect are what The Salvation Army offers to help those in need get back on their feet.
A big shout out to those who gave their time: Jennifer McCune, Karen Boyette, Kelly Downer, Kristin Cummings Streed, Maribeth Haynes, Mary Pat Hanson, Tracy Meade and Shannon Holland, who did a fabulous job coordinating.
–Maribeth Haynes, Member, Communications Committee