WEIRTON - Those traveling on Cove Road recently, may have noticed some changes are in the works at the Salvation Army in Weirton.
Captain Ed Long said some much-needed maintenance and repairs are being made to the properties, especially the building known as the Quonset Hut. He said this is a building that is dear to the hearts of many in the Weirton area, with memories of their youth and experiences with the Salvation Army in years past.
The Quonset Hut was the main building for worship and service until the Salvation Army's new building was built and completed in 2008. The Hut was built with local, mostly donated steel around 1950. Since then, the large metal building has been used for the Salvation Army's Christmas work, larger community events and storage.
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REPAIRS UNDER WAY — Repairs are being made to the Salvation Army buildings along Cove Road in Weirton, especially the building known as the Quonset Hut. The organization received $175,000 to make the improvements with the condition that $25,000 is raised locally. -- Contributed
Long said the building is still very structurally sound, but many items of maintenance were long past due, including a new roof and windows. However, he said funding was not available on a day-to-day basis.
"Like most United Way agencies, we concentrate on making our dollars do the most good for the people in our community. We do our best every day to meet the human needs of people that come to us for assistance," he said.
Most of the funding has now been made available through private donations by Salvation Army officers that grew up in Weirton and went on to make a difference in other communities, said Long. He added the project is important to them and they feel it will make a difference in the community.
A total of $175,000 has been contributed for the sole purpose of making the Quonset Hut a living legacy.
"The only stipulation is that we raise $25,000 locally," Long said. "The Salvation Army is not using United Way monies that have been entrusted to us."
With the help of the Hancock County Advisory Board, about $15,000 of the $25,000 has been raised to date and Long said the challenge was to complete the fundraising by the end of July, but it hasn't quite reached the goal.
Board Chairperson Cathy Ferrari said she is confident it can be done if the community pulls together.
Long said the community is welcome to stop by and see what's going on.
"Also," he said, "if you would like to be recognized as a donor to the project, give me a call at 304-748-4310 or just stop by our office to make your contribution."
All work is anticipated to be completed by early fall.
