Salvation Army honors volunteers

The Salvation Army's Capt. Stan Colbert entertained the crowd with his piano playing at Thursday night's Community Appreciation Dinner at Buford Street United Methodist Church. The Gaffney Salvation Army honored its volunteers and staff Thursday night with fine dining and beautiful melodies in a ceremony at Buford Street United Methodist Church.

About 60 people attended the Community Appreciation Dinner and recognized those who had helped pull the army through a "tough year," according to advisory board chairman Dr. Ron Cope.

"The Gaffney Salvation Army operated in the red this year," he said during remarks. "And we continue to operate in the red right now. There have been numerous disasters that have hit this country. If you've been with us for a while now, you'll remember we didn't have this dinner last year. We donated those funds to help victims of Hurricane Katrina and others. This year, the board has paid for the event out of their own pockets and not with any budget money."

Master of Ceremonies Lt. Col. Dick Norris thanked Gaffney Corps Officers Majors' David and Patricia Johnston for their service and announced that the couple would be retiring to Corinth in a few months.

After a round of applause, David Johnston recognized the board for its 2005 service. Then, he and Christmas Events Chairman Dr. Ron Barrett presented the night's most eagerly anticipated awards for the annual Bell Ringer Campaign.

"People have been asking me all day who's going to win," Barrett said. "I didn't know then, and I don't know yet. So here we go."

Third place honors went to the Salvation Army Advisory Board itself. The Harriet Mays Circle group took second place. First place was awarded to the Gaffney Kiwanis Club.

Following the presentations, former Gaffney Corps Officer Capt. Stan Colbert entertained the crowd with an arrangement of famous hymns on his keyboard.

The Salvation Army in Gaffney was established in June of 1920. The present location, 601 Colonial Avenue was set up in November of 1975.

In 2005, the army assisted over 900 individuals throughout Cherokee County.