From left are John Hall, Ken Locke, Lt. Esteban Pommier, Chris Harrison, Brandon Lewis and Lt. Karen Pommier. (Photo provided)

The 47th Annual “Salvation Army Day” netted $50,711.25 raised by the Warsaw Rotary Club for The Salvation Army of Kosciusko County.

The club met on Friday, Dec. 21, to observe the annual event to help others in need.

Chairman N. Bruce Howe, founder of the event, was unable to be there for
the first time in 47 years due to health reasons, but it was he who started the
campaign in 1965 to honor Brigadier Brice Phillipson, retired Salvation
Army officer, for his many years of service to others.

“We collected just  little under $1,000 that first time,” noted Howe in a phone
interview. “We support The Salvation Army because no one can make a dollar
go further than this organization.”

John Hall, co-chairman, led the club event in Mr. Howe’s absence as the checks and cash were collected. “The Warsaw Rotary club has had a relationship with The Salvation Army since 1921,” Hall commented. “Many families and especially children have been helped over those years 91 years.”

It was estimated that the Warsaw Rotary Club has raised over one million dollars through this event in the 47 years. Ken Locke, Community Ministries Director of The Salvation Army shared with the members, “We are able to help those in need in the name of Jesus Christ because of Warsaw Rotary and the many donors and volunteers who help us. This is the true spirit of Christmas, giving to others and ‘Service Above Self,’ the motto of Rotary International.”