Huntington has “A Heritage of Caring”

Heritage Days 2025, June 11 through June 15, will celebrate the people of Huntington and how they care for one another with the theme, “A Heritage of Caring.” Over the years many individuals, businesses and organizations have united the community in caring for one another. Each week the Huntington County Chamber of Commerce will highlight one of these entities in this column.

Caring for others in the name of Jesus Christ is the mission of The Salvation Army of Huntington County. The organization (Corps) has been serving the community for almost 125 years, and offers a number of programs throughout the year including spiritual/worship opportunities to social service needs.

Located at 1424 E. Market Street, the local Salvation Army is part of an international movement, and is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. According to the mission statement, “its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”

Officers of The Salvation Army are responsible for assessing needs, delivering programs, directing worship, serving food and more. The local officer in Huntington is Major Normalene Daniels, and weekly worship services are conducted Sundays at 10:45 a.m. with Sunday school for adults and children at 9:30 a.m.

The Huntington Corps Community Center provides emergency assistance for food and utilities to Huntington County residents. One of the greatest needs in the Huntington area is nonperishable food items. According to Salvation Army 2023 records, 90,313 nutritious meals and groceries were provided by The Salvation Army that year.

Caring for the needs of children at Christmas is of great importance, and in 2023 3,667 Christmas clothing items and toys were distributed in Huntington County. The Christmas season red kettles and bell ringers provide a way to meet these needs. The funds raised by The Salvation Army bell ringers make a year-round impact in the community through social services assistance, sheltering the homeless, disaster relief, children’s programs, rehabilitation services, anti-human trafficking and more. Donations stay local.

Resources, referrals and transportation for people seeking addiction services are available. Counseling, spiritual guidance and life skills are provided through treatment programs and adult rehabilitation centers. Shelter and housing are offered to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, domestic violence and human trafficking. Affordable housing options are offered to those with limited resources.

Emergency Disaster Services mobilize officers, employees, volunteers and mobile food trucks to provide emergency care to victims and first responders on a local, regional and national level. Emergency shelter, food, water, financial assistance and spiritual and emotional counseling are offered during times of crisis. Volunteers not only offer care during a crisis but step up to care for those in need throughout the year. In 2023, 2,705 volunteer hours were logged by Huntington County volunteers.

Since its foundation in the mid-1800s by William and Catherine Booth, The Salvation Army has a proven record of being a highly disciplined and mobile organization. According to records, it has proven itself effective in quickly caring for human needs whenever and wherever the needs arise. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation, approved by Congress, declaring the start of National Salvation Army Week (the week following Mother’s Day) as a public reminder of the ministry and mission of The Salvation Army.

Spanning the week immediately following Mother’s Day, Salvation Army locations across the U.S. will host various educational and fundraising events while encouraging people to learn more about the work they do. It’s also a reminder from The Salvation Army “for Americans to love beyond themselves and to make a difference in their communities.”

In the proclamation, President Eisenhower noted, “Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of human brotherhood. In time of war, the men and women of this organization have brought to those serving their country far from home, friendliness and warm concern. In the quieter days of peace, their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is neighbor and kin to all Americans. Giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of us all.”

One such local servant of The Salvation Army recently received her Promotion to Glory. Sharon Smelser along with her surviving husband Gerald cared for people through the Corps, retiring after 42 years of service. She passed away on April 27, 2025.

For more information about The Salvation Army of Huntington County, to volunteer or to donate visit the website: https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/huntington/, call (260) 356-3485 or email: normalene.daniels@usc.salvationarmy.org.