The mission of the Salvation Army hasn't changed since its founding in 1865, but the needs that it strives to meet have. For Gaffney's Pam Morgan, reaching out to those in need is the main reason she's decided to take on the duties of chairperson for the Cherokee County Salvation Army Advisory Board.

"Both of my parents are ordained Salvation Army ministers," she said. "They have retired here to Gaffney, so it was inevitable that I be a part of the army somehow. It's like it is part of my DNA, I guess. My parents, Cecil and Elma Grey Brogden have been here since 1997."

Although Morgan has been a board member for almost five years and has served on numerous other boards over the years, this is her first stint as a chairperson.

"Ron Cope is our former chairman, but he is still on the board," she said. "I'm a little nervous, but more excited than nervous to be able to help those in our community who need help. It's like I'm always telling my kids, helping people is like a natural extension of the lifestyle my parents gave me and the one I try to give to them. Growing up I was exposed to people of all walks of life and I saw my parents treat everyone with dignity and respect. When I grew up, got married and had children of my own, it was natural for me to involve them in these ministry opportunities."

And those people Morgan met were from numerous locales as well.

"Well, I'm originally from Mt. Airy (N.C.)," she said. "But with my parents I sort of grew up all over. We lived in Hickory, then Reedsville, then Concord, then Bristol, Tenn., then Wilmington and finally we ended up in Greenville."

She's now married to local physician Dr. Todd Morgan and together they have three children. When not dedicated to her Salvation Army work, Pam is a physical education teacher at The Village School and also a personal trainer at the local YMCA. Those community contacts have really opened her eyes to the community.

"I've found that the army is really a caring vehicle," she said. "It identifies needs in the community and meets them. The needs in Gaffney are different than the needs in Greenville, but the people are basically the same. The ones who live here are the ones who know what is lacking. Not many people are aware of it, but one of the big programs we offer in Gaffney is our after-school care initiative. It was started for parents who really needed someone to help out and didn't have a lot of funds. Parents can sign their child up and we will pick them up from school and take them to the church on Goldmine Springs Road. Timken has really helped us out this year by donating a new bus for us to use."

But, like most community programs, the after-school sessions have some needs.

"There is a nominal fee associated with the program," Morgan added. "But it doesn't really do much more than cover a maintenance cost. We need all the help we can get with tutors, new computers, school supplies and of course funding. If anyone can help out I urge them to contact me or Major David Johnston at 489-2530."