Representatives from the Salvation Army told members of the community about the local organization’s efforts to help the needy, during Thursday’s monthly breakfast of the Chamber of Commerce.

Jim Morrow, Georgia’s service extension director for the Salvation Army, told the breakfast attendees that the local Scott Street headquarters is about to celebrate its 20th anniversary. However, he also noted that local volunteers have been assisting the Salvation Army even before it had a permanent building in Bainbridge.

“In many ways, the need is even greater today than it was 20 years ago,” Morrow said.

Morrow said that the local Salvation Army helped with more than $3,400 in financial assistance, including helping some needy citizens with utilities bills and similar expenses. In addition, more than 120 people received assistance from the Scott Street Salvation Army’s food bank in August.

Although the Salvation Army is a Christian-based organization, Morrow said that it does not intend to “prosyletize or cram the gospel down someone’s throat.” Instead, he hoped that the Christian charity will be a visible sign of God’s love.

“The reason that we do what we do, is because we hope that people will get a glimpse of our heavenly father,” he said. “My hope and prayer is that people see hope behind that red shield, because of who you are and the support that you give to this organization.”

Also in attendance with Morrow were Gloria Harrell, who operates the Scott Street Salvation Army, and Dewey Robinson, the chairman of the Salvation Army’s local board of directors.

“We are able to do many things locally thanks to your support and your donations,” Robinson said.