Suffolk News-Herald

Local Salvation Army leaders on Wednesday saluted the hundreds of volunteers who have helped the organization serve Suffolk this year.

More than 100 volunteers attended the Third Annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast at Bethlehem Christian Church on Holland Road.

The breakfast was held to recognize the volunteers and their contributions to the community.

Maj. Linda Tillis, the organization’s divisional volunteer coordinator from Washington, D.C., was guest speaker. She challenged the volunteers to donate their time and services to new projects, into areas they have never before experienced.

Tillis also showed a video on the Salvation Army’s work and the role of volunteers.

Councilman Bobby Ralph greeted the group, telling them that their volunteerism has helped make Suffolk a good place to work, live and play over the past year.

Ralph presented Sammy Copeland, the Salvation Army’s advisory board chairman, with a city proclamation declaring May 27 as Salvation Army Volunteer Day in Suffolk. The proclamation was signed by Mayor E. Dana Dickens III.

Copeland told the crowd that he takes great pride in the Salvation Army and its work.

&uot;Our efforts would not be possible without the support and volunteer service of people like you, who partner with us in our many activities throughout the year,&uot; he said.

&uot;We at the Salvation Army are always aware and appreciative of your efforts.

&uot;We salute you, and we hope and pray for your continued dedication in the days ahead.&uot;

During the program, Capt. David May and wife, Capt. Dolores May, who are moving to Staunton June 23 to continue their service with the Salvation Army, announced that they are being replaced by Capt. Mark Banks and his wife, Veronica. The couple now works with the Southeast Corps in Washington, D.C.

Other program participants included Regional Resource Development Director Stephany Ellis gave a salute to services; and Corps Officer Captain David May introduced the speaker and gave closing remarks. Gail Clements and Charles Christian also gave a salute to the volunteers.

The Salvation Army released its annual report, which included a description of programs and its annual statistical and financial reports, at the breakfast.

The organization, which serves residents of Suffolk, Franklin and Southampton and Isle of Wight counties, helped more than 9,000 people with Christmas last year, May said. It assisted more than 12,000 after Hurricane Isabel.

More than 2,100 people volunteered for the organization last year, May said.

&uot;It was noted that we served over 22,000 in Suffolk and the western Tidewater area in the past year and that over $350,000 was spent in the ministry of social services alone, making us the largest non-governmental social services provider in the western Tidewater area.

&uot;It was reported that locally, 94 cents of every dollar given to the Army was used directly in programs that served people,&uot; May said. &uot;Contributions have made these services possible.&uot;