Salvation Army to hold workshop

FORT FRANCES—The local Salvation Army is moving forward with its plan to organize an advisory committee by holding a workshop for anyone interested in learning more about the organization and its goals.
“We’re asking people to be part of the advisory board to help with the work of the Salvation Army. Without help, it’s impossible for us to accomplish our mission,” said Capt. Marlene Sandoval.
“We’re inviting members of the community to join us in this endeavour,” echoed Capt. Angel Sandoval.
The couple is hoping to find seven-10 people to sit on the board, including some young people.
“We need young blood, people who really want to do something positive for the community,” Capt. Angel Sandoval had said in May when he first announced the idea for an advisory board.
The workshop will be held at the Salvation Army Citadel next Thursday (Oct. 7) at 10 a.m. and be conducted my Maj. Al Hoeft, a communications officer for the Salvation Army office in Winnipeg.
“He will explain the mission of the Salvation Army here, and why we are here, but also why we need help,” Capt. Marlene Sandoval said.
Capt. Angel said he already has heard from people interested in joining the board, but is hoping to get more to come out and participate.
“I believe if the community takes ownership in what we do here, we’ll be successful for a long time in helping those in need,” he said.
An advisory board also would play an important role should the captains move on in the coming years.
“The community has to be aware, we move all the time. The advisory board could help the next officers who come,” Capt. Marlene noted.
The Sandovals have been stationed in Fort Frances for just over three years.
Anyone interested in participating in the workshop should pre-register by calling the couple at 274-3871.
In other news, the Salvation Army is kicking off its 2006 Harvest Appeal for Thanksgiving. The public is invited to donate any non-perishable food items they can.
The Sandovals have sent out letters to district schools, asking them to hold their food drives a little earlier this year, if possible, to help keep the food bank shelves stocked.
“We’d like to thank all the donors who donate to us every year,” Capt. Marlene noted.
They also will be preparing a free Thanksgiving meal at the Citadel for people without family to spend the holiday with, or without the means to prepare a dinner on their own.
“I make a really good meal,” Capt. Marlene laughed.
“It’s for people who don’t have family, we are here for them,” she added.
After Thanksgiving, the Salvation Army will begin preparing for the Christmas season, including hampers for needy families across the district.
“When we have the board in place, we’ll start the Christmas campaign. That will be the first challenge for them,” Capt. Angel noted.
“We are here to provide help the best way possible, in the spiritual way, physical, and emotional,” he added.
(Fort Frances Daily Bulletin)