Salvation Army showcases its programs at open house

By Emily Bennett
ebennett@yourmvi.com
Community members trickled through the doors of the Monessen -based Salvation Army last night during its very first open house, meant to highlight the key focus of the organization and shed light on how they’re “doing the most good.”
Capt. Sue Thwaite strategically placed a table full of brightly colored, cartoon drawings of children near the entrance door. The table was part of an overnight camp fundraiser initiative, where interested community members could choose to sponsor a child to go to a Christian camp in Elwood City. Once an individual had chosen to monetarily sponsor a child’s trip to camp, the cut-out would be victoriously pinned to a bulletin board hanging overhead.
This initiative is just one of many the Salvation Army showcased for its first open house, although Thwaite said camp was an important goal. Last year, the organization sent 33 kids to overnight camp. Families pay an up-front $25 fee, although Thwaite said the cost is around $125 per child. The objective of the fundraising event is for each person who donates to give $50 for a child to be able to attend camp.
Thwaite also stressed the importance of showcasing their food pantry, which she said has over 265 registrants.
“We serve about 150 families per month,” she said.
While the food pantry is exclusive to Westmoreland County, their service area includes parts of both Washington and Fayette Counties. If someone is a resident of these counties, they also provide what she calls “emergency boxes,” of food every six months, and Thwaite said they always try to tie these other families into another food pantry that is localized to them.

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