Salvation Army

Each year, the Women's Club at 31 S. Prospect St. in Hagerstown holds a benefit card party and luncheon. A total of $1,000 was raised, with the money going to the local chapter of the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army, which is open 365 days a year, operates a 27-bed shelter for women and children at 534 W. Franklin St. in Hagerstown. Clients are provided with beds, shower facilities and use of a lighted playground for children at no cost. The Salvation Army also runs a noonday feeding program Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., which provides 100 to 115 meals daily at no cost.

Maj. Robert D. Lyle of The Salvation Army in Hagerstown is heading to Texas, and he's looking for some company. Lyle and those who accompany him will be assisting in disaster relief work from Oct. 4 to 17 in the areas hit hard by recent storms. "I am looking for volunteers who can commit to the two weeks," Lyle said. Anyone interested may call Lyle at 240-329-6879.

chambersburg@herald-mail.com CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - The Salvation Army violated a fund-raising agreement with the United Way of Franklin County, prompting the United Way board to say it will limit the Salvation Army's allocation from this year's campaign. All United Way organizations sign an agreement banning them from conducting any fund-raising campaigns for a six-week period from mid-September to Nov. 1, the peak period for United Way efforts, said Cynthia Hawbaker, executive director of the United Way of Franklin County.

Even though her own family is financially strapped, Debi Nicholson has been a full-time volunteer at the Salvation Army this Christmas season. Monday through Saturday, Nicholson leaves her house in Cearfoss at 3:30 p.m. She transports kettle workers and brings the red collection pots back to the Franklin Street office to count the money. Some nights, she doesn't get home until after midnight. Yet she says she is privileged to serve the Salvation Army in Hagerstown, where she also goes to church.

HAGERSTOWN - Despite the uncertain economy, The Salvation Army in Hagerstown said Monday that people are still recognizing the needs of those who are struggling the most to put food on the table and presents under the tree this holiday season. "We're on pace now," as of Monday, Major Robert Lyle said. "Our direct-mail response and the kettles are up slightly. " There are still some unclaimed "angels" on the angel tag trees in area stores, Lyle said. People can participate in the angel tag program, which is available at Kmart, Wal-Mart and Valley Mall.

When Majors Bob and Karen Lyle learned they were going to be assigned to The Salvation Army in Hagerstown, they were a little concerned about how their two sons would take the news. "Our oldest son, Joshua, said 'Dad, let's go to Maryland and see what God has in mind for us,'" Bob Lyle said. Joshua, 15, plans to play football at North Hagerstown High School. Caleb, 11, will be attending Northern Middle School. He too is dealing well with his new surroundings, having connected with the Hagerstown Giants football team, his parents said.

marlob@herald-mail.com When last year's Salvation Army kettle drive fell $7,000 short of the goal and some programs had to be scaled back, Maj. Butch Mallard said it was a difficult time because the needs in the Hagerstown community were so great. "Fortunately we didn't have to cut our weekday lunch program nor did we lay off any staff," Mallard said as he launched the 2003 drive Friday morning at Valley Mall. This year, the kettle goal is $80,000. Last year, the goal was $85,000 and the final tally came to just $78,000.

The Salvation Army will be accepting applications for Christmas assistance this fall. Applications will be taken between Oct. 28 and Nov. 7. On Oct. 28 and Nov. 4, the times will be from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 7 p.m. All other days will be between 9 and 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m. The location for submitting applications is 541 George St., Hagerstown. To make an application in person, you must bring the following: Personal identification Social Security card (for each member of the family)

Salvation Army rings in holiday kettle drive By MARLO BARNHART / Staff Writer John Barr said his early memories of the Salvation Army kettle drive were when his late father, Jack Barr, would call him on the telephone and say he'd pick him up in five minutes. "I'd ask where we were going, and Dad would simply say to get ready," John Barr said with a smile. Each time, he said, he would find himself at the holiday kettle drive kickoff. On Friday, Barr again helped kick off the 2000 campaign at Wal-Mart in the Centre at Hagerstown.