Serving Those that Served
The Salvation Army in Kent County partnered with other non-profits in April, to give back to those that served our country. The annual project, organized by Home Depot and the Heart of West Michigan United Way, brought volunteers together to complete landscaping and outdoor home repair projects for local military veterans, current service members and their families in Allegan, Kent and Ottawa counties.
Morning rally at Home Depot in Walker
The event began early in the morning at the Home Depot in Walker at a volunteer rally. “As you go to sites today, you’re not just hammering nails, you’re hammering hope,” Michelle Van Dyke, President and CEO of Heart of West Michigan told volunteers. Captain Thom Moffitt of The Salvation Army Fulton Heights Corps in Grand Rapids also shared some remarks before he gave the opening prayer. “Thank you for including us in this event,” Moffit said. “The Salvation Army has a long history of serving veterans that goes back to Donut Day and WWI. We are honored to be a part of what you are all doing today.”
Major Penny Mungai with Home Depot Volunteer
Following the opening prayer, volunteers went to various locations, including to one veteran’s home in Grand Haven. Major Penny Mungai of The Salvation Army in Grand Haven met with volunteers to share her appreciation. “Veterans sacrifice so much yet they are always the last to ask for help,” Mungai said. “Even while I was talking with the veteran who lives here, she had to fight back tears.”
The Salvation Army served 205 lunches to volunteers who worked at a total of 31 sites across West Michigan. If you would like to nominate a veteran for next year go to https://www.hwmuw.org/veterans. To donate to The Salvation Army in Kent County click here.