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When Sergeants Les and Mary Ashby put retirement on hold to take over command of the Washington Corps of the Salvation Army in the Spring of 2024, they hit the ground running. They were aware of the good work that was being done in eastern North Carolina, thanks to their predecessor, Maj. Vic Tidman. They were vigilant in their efforts to continue to provide much-needed food, rent, and utilities assistance and Christmas gift-giving to the region’s most vulnerable citizens while at the same time growing programming, extending church outreach, and continuing to do the best in the community.

“However, then came a less-than-robust economy that drove the cost of living up for the entire nation,” said Sgt. Les Ashby. “With things costing more, the annual Red Kettle Christmas Fund Drive that traditionally covers the cost of helping those in need in the region didn’t meet the budgetary needs of Washington, and there was a need for more support.  The advisory board of the Washington Corps stepped up and reached out to the community for support and was able to raise more than $50,000 to cover the needs of 2024. Those sustaining campaign donations were put to use making sure many in our community had food to eat, a place to sleep, and clothes to wear.”

 

Ashby said with the new year in full swing, they are launching another sustaining campaign for 2025. “The needs have only grown with the colder winter months and the disasters in Western North Carolina, resulting in more families reaching out in need of support,” said Ashby. “Our waiting room is full every day with people needing food or assistance with utilities or rent, and I don’t see it letting up. Our need is great, so our goal is to raise $75,000, which will get us through the summer. On a brighter note, we have already raised $10,000.”

 

The campaign will run from March 25 to April 8. Those in the community with means are being urged to make a donation to the sustaining campaign by dropping off a check at the Corps offices at 112 E. 7th Street between 9 am to 4 pm or by using a credit card at www.sustainingwashingtonnc.org. Though the official campaign is from March 25 to April 8, those wishing to donate may do so until September 30.

 

The Washington Corps provides services to Beaufort, Bertie, Hyde, Martin, Tyrrell, and Washington counties.