Family honors John "Jack" Taylor by sponsoring meal at Rochester Salvation Army
Nobody loved The Salvation Army’s hot meal program in Rochester, Minn., more than John “Jack” Taylor (pictured). For years, he stopped by almost every weekday.
“Jack’s favorite way to spend the day was to take long walks and drop in for lunch at The Salvation Army,” said Laura Larson, Jack’s sister. “It was an important support in his life – a place where he was comfortable and didn’t feel intimidated.”
Jack lived with schizophrenia and viewed The Salvation Army as a place of refuge from his daily struggles. He enjoyed talking to other lunch guests and making new friends.
“Jack was an awesome guy, he really was,” said a fellow lunch guest named Cici, who’d first met Jack six years ago. “He was funny, super friendly, and he never had a bad thing to say about anybody.”
Sadly, Jack passed away in November after battling cancer. He was 66.
As a tribute to Jack, 10 members of his family paid for and served a hot community lunch at the Rochester Salvation Army on Dec. 31, 2021 (pictured).
“Our family is very appreciative of the welcoming place The Salvation Army created for Jack,” Laura said. “We wanted to show our thanks in some way that would honor my brother and also express our gratitude.”
Your donations to The Salvation Army fund local meal programs that offer a place of love and acceptance for thousands of people just like Jack. Last year, your generous gifts allowed us to serve more than 505,000 hot meals in Minnesota and North Dakota – and the need is expected to rise in 2022.
“My heart is touched that coming here was one of Jack’s favorite things to do,” said Major Bob Mueller, leader of the Rochester Salvation Army. “We’ve set this place up to be a home-away-from-home where everybody is treated with love and respect. All are welcome at The Salvation Army.”
Please join The Salvation Army by giving a donation or signing up to volunteer. Your help will provide food, shelter and care for people and families in desperate need.