Since the announcement of the closing of the Tyrone Area Salvation Army service unit, many were worried that services would not continue for those in need in the area.
Those worries were put to rest earlier this week when it was announced that Bob Maser, Reverend Norman Huff and LeVonne Angelo, all of Tyrone, would be spearheading the organization of the Tyrone Area Salvation Army in the form of a service unit.
What this means is the Salvation Army will still offer the same services to those in need in the Tyrone area, which includes Tyrone, Bellwood and Warriors Mark. The only difference is the religious services will no longer be available and that an actual Salvation Army building will no longer exist.
The members of the Tyrone Salvation Army congregation are welcome at the Altoona and Huntingdon centers for worship.
“I’m hoping one of these days the Corps can come back to Tyrone,” said Rev. Huff. “I must tell you I was surprised when the Corps here closed.”
Shawn Clark, Salvation Army service unit field representative, offered encouraging words by saying the Corps can someday come back to Tyrone, if the volunteers and support from the community is there. He said the Tyrone service unit could turn into a service center over time, and then it could eventually turn into a Corp.
“The Salvation Army presence will be seen through the volunteers,” Clark added.
For now the local service unit is up and running, and the headquarters will be determined at a later date.
Angelo, secretary for the Wesley United Methodist Church and Tyrone Food Bank chairperson, will be the volunteer to write vouchers for those in need in the Tyrone area.
Vouchers can be used for necessities, such as food, clothing, gas or to offer help in paying a bill. A voucher is written for a money amount to be given to a specific vendor.
Those who request vouchers must reach certain income guidelines to qualify for the service. Individuals are eligible for vouchers four times a year.
The voucher is not actual cash. Once the voucher reaches the vendor, it is then sent to the Salvation Army treasurer for reimbursement.
The food distribution the Salvation Army once handled is now going to be channeled through the Tyrone Food Bank held at the Wesley United Methodist Church on Thursdays.
The Christmas toy distribution is tentatively going to be handled by members of the Tyrone Kiwanis, Tyrone Rotary and TACO.
The annual Christmas kettle drives will also continue, with 80 percent of the money raised going directly back into the Tyrone community.
The annual winter coat and boot drive will also continue, with the help of the Tyrone Kiwanis.
“I think the community will continue to give,” added Rev. Huff.
Volunteers are needed for the Tyrone area. The volunteer chairpersons are those who will keep the Salvation Army services organized, and Rev. Huff and Maser will fill those positions. The human service secretary is the person who will write out the vouchers, and Angelo will fill that position.
The treasurer will reimburse the vouchers received from the vendors, and this position is yet to be filled. There may also be a toy chairperson and a kettle chairperson.
Maser said the next step in the process for the Salvation Army in Tyrone is to start preparing for the busy Christmas season.
He said last year 168 families were served at Christmas and that it is hard to estimate how many people were actually helped throughout the rest of the year because everyday someone needed food, clothing or some other necessity.
Rev. Huff added he hopes the religious emphasis stays as the main focus of the Salvation Army in the Tyrone area.
“This is good news we have to say to the community,” said Rev. Huff, “and we’re still here. We just have to do what God wants us to do.”
For those interested in helping in any way, contact Maser at 684-0509.
