Kilgore Lions Club learn about the Salvation Army

Major Robert Winters talked about the Longview Salvation Army. The Kilgore Lions Club welcomed a representative from the Salvation Army to its meeting on Thursday.

Robert Winters, a 25 year employee of the Salvation Army working in Longview, said he has been assigned in Longview for three years.

The Salvation Army, which is actually a church of its own denomination, supports itself primarily by donations. "Those red kettles people see during the Christmas holidays usually bring in approximately $120,000 in donations," said Winters.

The Salvation Army in Longview has a shelter which supports 50 beds, but in a pinch can sleep up to 65. "We also provide meals seven days a week to anyone who come to the location on 519 E. Cotton," said Winters. "No one is turned away for a meal."

Winters said the shelter is usually full, but gets crowded when the weather is really hot or really cold. "There is no cost for someone to stay at the shelter for five days, but after that we want to know what the person is doing to help their situation and, if that person is working, they can continue to stay at the shelter for up to six months with a payment of $5 a day," said Winters.

The shelter is also set up to handle families. "We can handle up to four families at a time," said Winters. "Families are assigned a caseworker to help them get housing or a job, whatever they might need."

Winters said the Salvation Army is available to help the world over. Whether it be local matters or responding to a hurricane, the Salvation Army is always on the front lines, he said.

Those who would like to make a donation, drop off items for the Salvation Army Thrift Store or need the Salvation Army's help, contact them at (903) 753-3471.

The shelter does not open until 4 p.m. and it closes at 8 a.m., after breakfast. Dinner is served at 5 p.m.