Lt. Col. Eddie Hobgood, who leads North and South Carolina for The Salvation Army, brings his message of hope for the future in Cleveland and Rutherford counties to the annual National Salvation Army Week celebration in May.
A catered dinner meeting is set for Thursday, May 17, 2018 at The LeGrand Center in Shelby to honor supporters and continue to spread the Christian message of hope and compassion.
"We're inviting donors, volunteers and government leaders to help us celebrate," Shelby Corps administrator Sgt. Les Ashby said. "Right now, we're looking for businesses and individuals that will help us sponsor this big event."
Greenville, NC, native Hobgood and his wife have served 35 years together throughout the Southeast. Before taking on leadership at Divisional Headquarters in Charlotte, they served
in London, England, at The Salvation Army's International Headquarters, and organized the 150th anniversary celebration of the founding of The Salvation Army in July 2015.
For more than half a century, The Salvation Army has had a continuous missional presence in Shelby.
"Our local corps is working hard to sustain and expand services in Cleveland and Rutherford counties," Ashby said. "We want our community to know as much about us as possible, and we will be sharing that at the banquet."
Shelby businessman Chris Mabry chairs The Salvation Army Advisory Board for this two-county territory.
"For over 50 years, volunteers in our area have given their time and talents," Mabry said, "and along with our excellent staff have made a significant difference in many lives of our friends and neighbors in need. We have so many inspirational stories of how The Salvation Army has made and continues to make a positive impact in our communities and we want to share them."
In 2017, the local ministry served 5,270 people, provided 13,743 meals, helped 442 households to keep utilities on, saved 154 families from eviction, delivered 1,527 grocery orders from the pantries and distributed 7,286 items of clothing. In addition, 1,051 children received gifts for Christmas.
Call 704-482-0375 for more information, or email les.ashby@uss.salvationarmy.org. Online at http://www.salvationarmyusa.org, Facebook: The Salvation Army of Shelby NC.
Submitted by Cassie Herndon Tarpley