MAJOR PAUL PELLETIER- The Salvation Army
MAJOR PAUL PELLETIER Officer in Charge for the Norristown area Salvation nArmy, spoke to us last week, giving an overview of the history, goals, and services of the Salvation Army. The Army was founded in 1865 in England, and is now a world wide church and charitable organization. They aim to assist those in need both spiritually and physically assisting them with a wide variety of services like thrift stores, homeless shelters, food distributions to name a few. The Army is also very active in disaster relief, with local officers and workers jumping in immediately followed closely by assistance from outside the immediate territory.
Paul related how the Army has been featured in several movies such as "Its A Wonderful Life", and "A Christmas Story" as well as a few pop songs like "Strawberry Fields" and the music of Jethro Tull.
Major Pelletier has been in Norristown for 7 months after serving in Massachusetts and several other spots around the world. He stated that one of the main projects recently implemented is the family shelter, which serves as temporary home for families as the Army attempts to find more permanent housing for them. They also have a winter shelter for women in colder temperatures. He noted our Club's gift of sheets to the shelter, and also thanked us for the bell ringing day we participates in. It was their largest single day collection this year.
Thank you Major Pelletier for this informative talk.