The Salvation Army in Winchester wishes to offer our sincere appreciation for the outpouring of generosity and support from this community during this past holiday season.

This past Thanksgiving, 150 families, a total of 653 individuals received turkeys and food boxes containing items needed for a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. We are grateful for the support of the City of Winchester, the Winchester Moose Lodge, the Thunderguards Motorcycle Club, and Advisory Board members.

The success of our Christmas effort is owed to the amazing spirit of generosity and goodwill in our community. Local volunteers served 618 hours as bell ringers allowing us to raise 99.8% of our local Red Kettle Campaign goal.

The Salvation Army’s iconic Angel Tree program is beloved and supported by families, churches, local businesses, and so many more and is the backbone of our Christmas assistance to families in need. The generosity and love of every person, business, school group, church, and many more who “adopted” an angel has left us in awe. Christmas was especially Merry and Bright for hundreds of local children this year thanks to your support. We could not have done this program without you!

During November and December, hundreds of turkeys and hams were distributed, as well as food boxes donated by our friends at The Highland Food Pantry. We also want to give thanks to Bass Hoover Elementary School for hosting a food drive to help us stock our food pantry.

Beyond Christmas, on Feb. 6, The Salvation Army in Winchester partnered with Operation Warm and CMA’s Subaru of Winchester to provide up to 250 brand-new pairs of shoes and winter coats to children in need. This effort was part of the “Subaru Loves” initiative and was a great success. We offer our sincere thanks to the staff of CMA’s Subaru for their efforts in making sure each child’s foot was measured, new shoes picked out in just the right color, and that each child received a new coat that was the perfect fit!

The Salvation Army wishes to offer a special thank you to The Richard Dick Golf Tournament, Christ Episcopal Church, and our local Kiwanis Clubs and so many others for your steadfast support of our work in Winchester City and Frederick and Clarke Counties.

Over the past year, there has been much misinformation regarding The Salvation Army in Winchester. I wish to convey that The Salvation Army has not closed and is not closing.

Our office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. as we assist with food, clothing vouchers, hygiene products, and financial assistance for utilities through the Washington Area Fuel Fund. Lunch is served on Thursdays from noon-1 p.m. We also provide various ministry services throughout the week.

The Salvation Army is still here, still serving, and still needs your support! For more information, please call our office at 540-662-4777.

Thank you again for your generosity and support this past holiday season and in the coming months as we continue to serve this community!

John Blevins Jr. is the captain of the Salvation Army Winchester Corps.