Lorraine Gordon first appealed to The Salvation Army for help when she lost her job in 2001.
She returned in 2010 when she found herself unemployed again.
Gordon got involved in every aspect of The Salvation Army. She started volunteering daily, attending prayer services and helping with disaster relief. After serving as a volunteer at the organization’s warehouse, The Salvation Army offered her a job.
“I’m glad to be a part of it. The Salvation Army has changed my life,” Gordon said. “I have become closer to the Lord. I’ve grown spiritually.”
She shared her experience with a group of Salvation Army donors, volunteers and employees at a dinner Thursday night celebrating the 75 years The Salvation Army has been in Washington.
Betty Edwards praised the organization after the dinner. She was in the Girl Guards as a girl, and she remains active with The Salvation Army.
“I love them. They help me. I can honestly say they help me,” Edwards said.
The event also marked the start of The Salvation Army’s Christmas-related projects and services. An angel tree was filled with the written hopes and wishes of children from Beaufort, Bertie, Hyde, Martin, Tyrell and Washington counties, all of which are served by The Salvation Army’s Washington corps.
Salvation Army Maj. James Seiler thanked those who attended the event for playing a part in Christmas campaigns.
“I believe it was Saint Francis of Assisi who said, ‘Preach a sermon. Use words if necessary.’ You’re the ones who make this possible,” Seiler said. “The only thing I can say to you tonight is thank you.”