The Shadow
The Covington Salvation Army Corps honored its volunteer during an appreciation dinner held Tuesday evening in the Covington Baptist Church fellowship hall.
The theme for the evening was “Hands of Change.”
“We are extremely grateful for each of you who are here this evening,” said Maj. George Hackbarth, who along with his wife, Maj. Robin Hackbarth, serves as corps commander. “You have all been a blessing to the Salvation Army and to the community.
“Through your selfless service of your time, talents and treasures, through your selfless giving, you have helped the Salvation Army change the course of many peoples’ lives, giving them hope … for the future,” he added.
“The soldier is the army. No army is better than its soldiers,” said Maj. Robin, in quoting U.S. Army Gen. George S. Patton. “And the Salvation Army has some of the best soldiers in the world. We consider all of our volunteers to be soldiers.”
Several awards were also presented Tuesday evening. The 2019 Outstanding Service award was presented to Peggy Williams. “[Peggy] lives by the motto ‘Hands of Change’,” said Maj. Robin, “and is one of the sweetest ladies I know.”
The 2019 Doing the Most Good award was presented to Robert “Bucky” Robert-son. “[Bucky] does whatever he can to help us out, and we’re so grateful to him,” said Maj. George.
The 2019 Community Partnership award was presented to WestRock’s Alleghany Highlands operations. Maj. George noted that for several years, WestRock has assisted at Christmas-time with the Angel Tree program and by giving financially as well.
The corps also presented awards to its top bell ringers. “The Salvation Army could not accomplish our Christmas Assistance program without the large number of volunteers that have helped us out,” said Maj. Robin. She also added that for the 2019 campaign, 247 volunteers “from local civic clubs, families, schools, church groups and individuals” rang the bell for the program, helping raise $52,416.
Top individual winners included Paul Dameron and his family, first place; Melinda Mann, second place; and Savannah Underwood, third place. Top group winners were the Alleghany Highlands Kiwanis Club, first place; Granbery Memorial United Methodist Church, second place; and the Ultimate Dance Explosion dance team, third place.
The corps also presented certificates to businesses, organizations and individuals who assisted the Christmas Assistance program. Those included Concerned Christian Baptist Church, Jackson River Community Credit Union, Covington Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Falling Spring Presbyterian Church, Good News Church, Temple Baptist Church, Covington AAU basketball, Clifton Forge Woman’s Club and Atlantic Union Bank.
The Covington Corps serrves Alleghany, Bath and Rockbridge counties, and portions of Botetourt and Craig counties.
The corps also highlighted statistics of the families it impacted in 2019.
• 221 children received toys and clothes during the Christmas season;
• 125 families received Christmas food baskets;
• 522 nursing home residents received Christmas gifts;
• 795 families, including 2,222 individuals, were assisted through the corps’ social service office;
• $100,607.84 was given in emergency utility assistance to 325 families;
• 12 children were sent to Camp Happyland;
• 503 volunteers gave 1,914 hours of service.
Members of the local Salvation Army Advisory board were also recognized Tuesday evening. Current board members include Kathy Carson, Pat Carter, Gavin Dressler, Cindy Durham, the Rev. Bill Harstfield, Valerie Humphreys, Karen Kessinger, Leslie Nicely, Carolyn O’Conner, James “Cheeze” Smith, John Stone and Peggy Williams. Several members of the board, as well as past board members, were present Tuesday evening.
The Hackbarths also recognized the corps’ employees and staff members. “George and I can’t do the many things that we can do without the help of our great staff,” said Maj. Robin. “These employees are the glue that keeps the army running smoothly. Their hard work and dedication to the mission of the Salvation Army is a major part of our theme, ‘the Hands of Change’.”
The corps’ employees and staff include Kristy Morgan, Kimm Robertson, Arlene Shinault, Larry Talbert and Vicky Wolfe.
Members of the Appreciation Dinner committee were Valerie Humphreys, Peggy Williams and Karen Kessinger. Sponsors for the dinner were A&B Bakery, Bartley’s Meat Market, Cakes Your Way and Coffee Café, Covington Baptist Church and Highlands Community Bank.
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The Covington Salvation Army Corps presented several awards during an appreciation dinner held Tuesday evening at Covington Baptist Church. Front row, from left: Peggy Williams, recipient of the Outstanding Service award; Robert “Bucky” Robertson, recipient of the Doing the Most Good award; Rebecca Johnson, representing WestRock’s Alleghany Highlands operations, recipients of the Community Partnership award. Back row: Majs. Robin Hackbarth and George Hackbarth, corps commanders. (Gavin Dressler Photo)
