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BY FLORENCE ROBB –
“Hope for the New Millennium” was the theme chosen by LTS. Darren and Mary Norton, corps officers, and the Salem, Ore., Advisory Board for their recent Annual Civic Appreciation dinner, attended by 250.
Featured speaker was Marlene Klotz Collins, National Advisory Board member and director of community relations for KTVK-TV in Phoenix, Ariz. She challenged the audience to think outside the box of local ministry. Citing The Salvation Army’s diversity, she stated, “Every number represents a life. Families are often caught in a ‘notch group’–just a paycheck away from poverty and even homelessness.”
Gratitude was expressed to the organizations that helped the Salem Corps raise $159,000 in their Christmas kettles toward the total $1.34 million budget. The testimonies of two families served by the emergency shelter and working through transitional housing gave a glimpse of Army ministry to the needy in Marion County.
Board member Jan Morgan introduced the recipient of the “Others” award, presented by Lt. Colonel Kurt Burger, divisional commander, to Kim Walker, community relations specialist for the Oregon Youth Authority. The Army has received thousands of toys provided by state employees at her behest and placed under the tree in the capitol rotunda area.
