PARKERSBURG- Earl Ray Tomblin, the acting governor of West Virginia, commended the many people who volunteer to help the Salvation Army.
Tomblin was the featured speaker at the Salvation Army of Parkersburg's annual advisory board meeting and volunteer recognition dinner at Stout Memorial United Methodist Church Tuesday. The event is held to honor people throughout the community who have volunteered their time in giving to others.
''We are here to celebrate the Salvation Army,'' Tomblin said. ''My first remembrances of the Salvation Army probably go back to when I was a little fella...in southern West Virginia.
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Tomblin speaks to the Salvation Army
''We all know that once, twice or three times every year, terrible floods came to southern West Virginia. Every year when those floods would come and as soon as the roads were open, one of the first things we would always see was the Salvation Army truck coming in bringing in bleach, mops, brooms and all of those things people really needed.''
People had lost everything and were lucky to get out with their lives in most cases.
The Salvation Army was among the first on the scene to begin to help people get back on their feet, Tomblin said.
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Acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin talks with people Tuesday at the Salvation Army of Parkersburg’s annual advisory board meeting and volunteer recognition dinner at Stout Memorial United Methodist Church.
He noted that with the recent tornadoes hitting across the country, the Salvation Army was one of the first organizations in offering assistance.
''One of the first things you see was the Salvation Army,'' he said.
''When I was growing up, I had no idea where the Salvation Army came from or what it was or who funded it or who was responsible for it, but as time went on I found out that 90 percent of the service given is done by volunteers, people like those in this room.
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Helping Others
West Virginia has a long, proud tradition of neighbors helping neighbors in times of need, acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said.
Tomblin was the featured speaker at the Salvation Army of Parkersburg's annual advisory board meeting and volunteer recognition dinner at Stout Memorial United Methodist Church Tuesday.
Over the last year, 4,306 community volunteers gave 20,099 hours of services worth $419,064.
''Whether you ring the bells at Christmas time or those volunteers who do something every single day, those are the people to really be proud of.''
People have many commitments taking up a lot of their daily lives. It is something when people are able to put aside some time in the service of others, Tomblin said.
''I am proud of those people who give of their time when they can,'' he said.
''The fact that you are out there giving of yourself to help your fellow man and giving of yourself, I think that is just great.''
West Virginia has a long, proud tradition of neighbors helping neighbors in times of need, the governor said.
''The people of West Virginia are going to get in there and help,'' he said. ''They are going to roll up their sleeves and do the work, whether it is shoveling mud or taking a hot meal to someone in need.
''That is what West Virginia is all about and that is what the Salvation Army is all about. I just wanted to compliment each and every one of you for what you do.''
He also commended those who donate money to the Salvation Army so it can buy those brooms, mops and bleach that are used in times of need.
Tomblin commended the Boy Scouts of America, which was on-hand as servers for the dinner, for being a positive influence in the lives of so many young men and building their character.
''What a great pairing to have tonight, the Salvation Army and the Boy Scouts of America,'' he said. ''It is good to have people giving back to their communities.''
The Salvation Army gave awards and certificates of appreciation to people and groups who gave back to the community over the past year.
''It is our way to show appreciation for all the hard work they do,'' said John Sjostedt, chairman of the Salvation Army of Parkersburg's Advisory Board.
Over the last year, 4,306 community volunteers gave 20,099 hours of services worth $419,064.
Whether helping with the annual Thanksgiving dinner or helping put gift baskets together at Christmas to helping where assistance is needed the most, the Salvation Army relies on the services of its volunteers.
''The Salvation Army is an organization, but without our volunteers, we don't have the fuel to make that engine go,'' Sjostedt said. ''Our volunteers are really the fuel for our engine.''
