Dear Santa,
I recently was reading an article in the 'War Cry'; a weekly publication of The Salvation Army. The article was titled "That's Where I Want You."
The article talked about how a Salvation Army officer knocked on the tenants apartment door to meet them; find out their needs and invite them to programs and services at The Salvation Army.
The article went on to say that she and her family took The Salvation Army officer up on his offer to attend the programs and services at The Salvation Army.
That was the beginning of a 50-year relationship that continues today.
Captain Chas and Debbie Engel are the officers of The Salvation Army in Williamsport, servicing all of Lycoming County.
As I read the article in the War Cry, I thought of Captain Debbie.
I see her in the summertime knocking on tenants apartments near The Salvation Army, inviting them to programs and services at The Salvation Army.
Those visits were instrumental in the beginning of a youth music program and the sunbeam program (a girls program) at The Salvation Army.
Now I see Captain Debbie, with others, visiting nursing homes, making home visits for those homebound, visiting prisons - developing a prison ministry and visiting those in the hospital.
Yes, The Salvation Army still is doing those special visits.
Santa, since my childhood I always have wondered how you knew what house needed that special visit or that special gift.
You seem to always be aware of what is needed.
It is my hope and prayer that The Salvation Army also knows what is needed to make that individual, that child, that family, that senior citizen, that NEED; so that we can help.
Santa, looking forward to your special visit.
Save travels,
Tony
Please help by giving generously to the Sun-Gazette and the Salvation Army Santa Fund.
You can help make this a brighter holiday season for local families by making a contribution in person to any branch of M&T Bank or by mail to M&T Bank at 405 River Ave.; at the Salvation Army, 457 Market St.; or the Sun-Gazette office, 252 W. Fourth St., Williamsport, PA 17701.
The Santa Fund is a fundraiser organized by the Sun-Gazette and the Salvation Army to help local families in need.
