Officially recognized by Congress and U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954, “Salvation Army Week” got off and running in Hopkinsville Monday morning — as worship, music and message set a tone of thanks and appreciation for what ends up being annual, endless efforts to those in need.
Commanding Officer Lt. Lindsey Galabeas called it an “important time” to realize work done, while regrouping for what comes next.
Located at 304 E. 7th Street, the Hopkinsville campus takes up nearly two city blocks and hosts a worship center, soup kitchen and well-kept thrift store — all of which need volunteers, employees and generous donations from private and public sources.
The past year, she said, has been busy. And effective.
For every person who comes through the doors, Galabeas said there’s “a different story.”
Maybe they just need a meal. Maybe they just need a message.
One of the not-so-quiet ways the Salvation Army serves, however, is at Christmas — as the bells toll for those red kettles in front of businesses.
Tony Meachem, of Cayce Mill Supply, gave his testimony, and what it means to be not just one of those ringers during the holiday season, but also as a worker in Hopkinsville’s ever-busy soup kitchen — something he’s been doing since January of last year.
Mayor J.R. Knight and Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam read a proclamation in declaration of the week, which Galabeas noted includes private and public events.
Noon Tuesday, there will be a “Volunteer Appreciation” luncheon at Ruff Park, in which awards and recognition — like “Top Bell Ringer” — will be doled alongside grilled fare.
Wednesday will involve a private celebration with the Salvation Army of Hopkinsville’s Board of Directors. Thursday will also have a private celebration with the organization’s employees.
On Friday, visitors and shoppers to the thrift store will be treated to a number of bonus deals. In the morning, coffee and donuts will be made available. At 11:30 AM, shoppers can exchange receipts for a “Frito Pie” lunch.
Saturday will entail a worship event, where prayer tables will be set up at the worship center for those wishing to bring a humble message for Salvation Army’s work in the world — spanning more than 130 countries.
The appreciation wraps on Sunday with a 10 AM service, and a special luncheon to follow.
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