Salvation Army campaign moves forward

Salvation Army information

The Van Wert Salvation Army’s capital campaign continues to make progress, largely because the organization did not enter into a $500,000 capital campaign haphazardly.

The Timothy Group conducted a feasibility study in 2010 on behalf of the Salvation Army that found that 94.6 percent of those interviewed rated the image of the Salvation Army in the community as “good” or “very good”.

In addition, more than 81 percent of respondents saw the need for the proposed projects as described in the case statement. When asked what they appreciate most about the Salvation Army, the majority said “the Salvation Army helps people in need”.

After much deliberation, a site was chosen at 120 N. Cherry St. that provides additional space and is located closer to those who need the Salvation Army’s services.

To start off the campaign, the Salvation staff and board members pledged $38,475.

Major Arthur Barter and Major Judy Barter are the Corps officers.  Staff members are Robin Agler, financial, Daniece Maller, social services, and Janet Bell, Thrift Store.

Salvation Army board members include Chair Rita Hurless, Vice Chair Collette Carcione, Secretary Lois Gehres, Treasurer Gloria Kimmey, and board members Linda Boggs, the Rev. Scott Campbell, Cathy Drake, Louis Ehmer, Don Farmer, Jamie Evans, Campaign Chair Donna Grimm, Mike Jackson, Kevin Matthews, Warren Reed, Pat Ryan, Steve Samples, Jim Sowers, Warren Straley, Mark White and Stuart Wyatt.