Army is more than Christmas kettles

by JOYCE KLONTZ

The Salvation Army

During the Senior Living Fair the weather was rainy, but that didn't keep folks from coming to the Lorain County Fairgrounds to check out the many booths. Free tissues, toothbrushes and cookies were the handouts at our booth.

Salvation Army corps and units from northeast Ohio were represented by hundreds of officers, employees and volunteers at the Cleveland Indians versus the Toronto Blue Jays baseball game at Progressive Field on May 9. The Salvation Army band played the Canadian National Anthem and a major sang "The Star Spangled Banner." Fireworks were enjoyed after.

Camp NEOSA is a unique setting operated by The Salvation Army. It consists of a 200-acre peninsula located on 1,000-acre Leesville Lake. Our programs use these resources of natural surrounding for contributing to the spiritual, educational, social and recreational needs of every camper.

The Salvation Army is ready to supply the ultimate camping experience through its American Camping Association accredited facilities with a mature, well-trained staff. The camp facilities include a large waterfront and boating area, pioneer village, hiking trails, recreation field, craft and nature shelters, a low ropes course, beach volleyball, and a basketball court. Fellowship Hall, campfire circle, and Chapel in the Trees are used during evening programs and devotional times.

Call the office at 647-7600 for information on Camp NEOSA. The dates are July 17 through July 22 for ages nine to 12 years old.

We owe a big thank you to our regular contributors and volunteers. We are grateful to Oberlin Wal-Mart for clothing donations, SLCAD for free office rent, GLWB Cable for announcements and Stoney Brook Construction for clearing a path in our snowy parking lot last winter. We do need regular volunteers to shovel for us next winter. Boy Scouts or other groups would be most welcome and appreciated.

Salvation Army Week was May 11-17. Carol Zeiter was responsible for the display in Dan Trinter's Nationwide window.

The Salvation Army is an international movement and an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its mission is to preach the gospel and meet human needs in Christ's name, without discrimination. Almost everyone has been touched by The Salvation Army in some way, and it has become a favorite charity by many. Many a Christmas could have been disappointing if it weren't for The Salvation Army stepping in with gifts, food, etc., to needy families.

We are proud to be associated with The Salvation Army. Most stories are heart warming and people love to share them. Larger areas such as Lorain and Elyria have corps which are also Salvation Army churches. Smaller areas like Wellington and Oberlin have service units.

Volunteers are members of various Christian churches. Come join us.