Salvation Army gets kids to camp
Trending
NILES --Ten-year-old Kasey Escue said being able to attend Camp Northeast Ohio Salvation Army during the summer was a highlight for her as she participated in canoeing, archery and swimming.
The fourth-grader at LaBrae Intermediate School shared her story during the Salvation Army of Trumbull County's annual benefit dinner Tuesday at Ciminero's Banquet Centre in Niles.
''I liked archery because I learned how to shoot the arrow to get it to the target. I liked swimming because if you passed a test you could go from the shallow end to swimming in the deep end. You get a blue bracelet if you pass the test,'' Escue said.
Escue said she will always remember becoming a ''junior soldier," which is part of the Salvation Army's commissioned officers.
Camp NEOSA in Carrollton is a ministry of the Salvation Army to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to provide a camping experience to campers from all over northeast Ohio. This Salvation Army camp is dedicated to serving 1,500 children every summer.
Fred Ebinger, an advisory board member, said donations make it possible for children to attend camp. He said $415 per child is being sought to help send 23 local children to camp.
''Because this area has a declining population, sometimes the annual kettle collection brings in less than the year before. That is why we hold this event, to get more people on board,'' he said.
Ebinger said the Salvation Army's motto is ''Doing the Most Good."
Majors Mike and Dianna Morales, the local commanding officers who have been at the Salvation Army for the past four years, said the advisory board and the women's auxiliary have both worked hard to raise funds.
''They play such an integral part. The advisory board is like a board of friends. The women's auxiliary spends Christmas time gift wrapping presents at the mall. I cherish everything they do for the Salvation Army,'' Mike Morales said.
Major Mark Mackneer, NEOSA divisional secretary, said what the Salvation Army does for the children really exemplifies the organization's motto "Doing the Most Good."
''In Warren, there were more than 8,700 people who were served. That to me is a lot of people and a lot of service. That is a 12 percent increase from the prior year. That tells me there is a need out there and the Salvation Army continues to meet that need,'' Mackneer said.
Mackneer said when the Salvation Army sees those in need ''it does something with spiritual and social programs aimed at the heart.''
''You are the Salvation Army and we are doing the most good for those who have the most need,'' he said.
The event also included a musical presentation by the youth and a video presentation highlighting different programs and services.
bcoupland@tribtoday.com