Rotary gives charity big boost

Brooke organization makes $3,800 donation to Salvation Army

WELLSBURG -- The Brooke County Salvation Army's efforts to provide food and gifts to local families in need received a big boost when the Rotary Club of Brooke County presented a $3,800 donation to the charity.

Jerry Simpson, the group's president, noted the contribution included funds donated by members of Wellsburg United Methodist Church.

Simpson acknowledged in the past, the group had adopted several local families on its own but this year decided to aid the Salvation Army with its Christmas kettle campaign and in doing so was able to provide for about half of the gifts and food distributed by the charity this year.

Salvation Army Capt. Gene Hunt said more than 150 Brooke County families and more than 220 Hancock County families were aided through the Salvation Army's Wellsburg service center and Weirton headquarters.

He added the kettle campaign generates donations for Christmas aid and provides residents in need with food, clothing and utility assistance throughout the year.

Hunt noted the Salvation Army is among charities that aid with disaster relief and have deployed trained staff and volunteers to several U.S. states devastated by tornadoes.

He said at this time money is the best contribution for such efforts by the Salvation Army because there are logistical issues in transporting and storing cleaning supplies and other materials needed by the victims and those aiding them. But Hunt stressed checks can be earmarked specifically for the tornado victims to ensure they will benefit.

It's been a busy year for the Brooke County club, which earlier this year donated $350 to the St. John Catholic Church food pantry and $1,000 to volunteers at the First Presbyterian Church and United Methodist Church who fill backpacks with food for local students.

In an effort to draw more attention to the group and attract new members, the group organized a community cleanup at the city's Town Square and downtown business district.

With the help of members of Brooke High School Interact, a group established by the club, and other volunteers, Brooke County Rotarians powerwashed benches, swept and collected litter and debris in a three-block area.

Joining Brooke County Rotarians at the meeting where they presented the contribution for the Salvation Army were friends from the Rotary Club of Weirton, which earlier donated $1,000 for turkeys provided to Weirton area families by the Salvation Army as well as $1,000 in toys for the U.S. Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program. Sweet Temptations also donated to the Toys for Tots effort.