Keep an eye out for where the Salvation Army can help.
That's what a pair of its officers, Capt. Patrick Lyons of Greenwood and Maj. Jim Duel of Jackson, asked of the Greenwood advisory board during its annual meeting Wednesday.
"Help us identify the people with the most need," Duel urged. "Cast a vision for the community, and dream about what it could be."
The meeting, held at the Salvation Army Church on Stone Avenue, covered installation of advisory board officers and members. New on the board are Charlotte Baglan, Leesha Faulkner, Daisy Holt and Charles Streeter. Jean Cadney, who has served for a year, was officially installed.
The officers are Virginia Bass, chairman; Dr. Sam McNair, vice chairman; Shirley Lott, secretary; and John Pittman, treasurer.
Duel, who is the regional financial officer, said his organization's financial reports have lacked clarity, but they are being revamped so they can be more easily understood. He urged the board to examine the records.
"The Salvation Army has the best record of getting the money to the money to the people who need it," he said.
Lyons repeatedly thanked volunteers and businesses for support of Salvation Army programs. He cited Ida Keys as the thrift store's volunteer of the year. She responded that she thought another volunteer, Kim Lucas, deserved the award. She said she tries to be useful at the store and in her community. The honor reminded her of having been recommended for "Just Ask Your Neighbor" in the Commonwealth. It made her think, "Well, I am good for something."
Longtime board member Allen Biggers was affirmed as a life member of the board. He asked the board to explain to others that the Salvation Army not only collects money for charity but also is a church.
Dale Persons, a Viking Range Corp. officer, accepted the Salvation Army's William Booth Society award on behalf of employees and the corporation.
Lyons said Viking's employees kept coming forward with assistance after Hurricane Katrina, and the corporation also provided support. Viking employees and the corporation donated $27,000 for relief, he said.
Lyons recognized the efforts of Bob Darden, a staff writer for the Commonwealth, to keep the public informed about what the Salvation Army needed during Hurricane Katrina.
Lyons commended the Commonwealth for its Adopt-A-Family program, which helps families at Christmas, and Altrusa International of Greenwood for Angel Tree, which provides gifts for children at Christmas. Both programs are conducted in partnership with the Salvation Army.
He particularly pointed to the help of Jo Alice Hughes, Commonwealth lifestyles editor, in guiding him during his first experience with the Adopt-A-Family program.
Lyons also thanked United Way of Leflore County for its monetary help. He said Freda Maxey, executive director, was particularly welcoming when he and his wife, Capt. Ke'olani Lyons, assumed responsibilities in Greenwood during the past year.
"Thanks for being our friend. Thanks for being my friend," Lyons said to Maxey.
Holiday bell-ringing recognition went to the Elks Lodge, for collecting $1,292; the Greenwood Kiwanis Club, $758; and Westminster Presbyterian Church, $704.87.
Lyons said Greenwood has a big heart. "The work you have done has been phenomenal."
