Morristown Salvation Army Marks 121st Anniversary

From daycare and teen activities to computer classes and prayer breakfasts. The Salvation Army Morristown Corps has been lending a helping hand to many in the community. .

Much of what they provide is made possible through donors and a large base of volunteers and these unsung heroes were recognized Tuesday night with its 4th Annual Dinner Celebration. They celebrated its 121st anniversary of serving Morris County with this “Mexican fiesta” themed event.

"It’s a lovely evening to recognize those that help the most with our efforts to make the community a better place," said Gary Todd Pancoast, Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Morristown Salvation Army. 

In attendance were Mayor Tim Dougherty, his wife Mary, Morristown's Democratic Committee Chair and several state representatives. 

“We are thrilled to celebrate our anniversary and recognize those wonderful individuals and groups who have helped us serve Morris County for 121 years,” said Major Walter Droz. “Each one we help come from families that are not able to pay for everything,” added Droz referring to the children in the daycare program.

During the dinner celebration, a group of six children from the daycare program sang a few songs for the attendees.

The Salvation Army offers a summer program for children that is both fun and education, but goes easy on the wallet. It includes meals, historical field trips including the vacation stays, bowling, movies, lake visits and much more.

“I have a 10-year-old daughter. (I didn’t fully know how great the program was) until she participated in the program and would come home and tell me what she learned that day,” said mother Juliana Castro. “These are things that I could not (provide) her because I didn’t have the resources.”

Special honorees include:

• The Mennen Family, who generously donated the Corps current facility at 95 Spring Street in Morristown 40 years ago
• Dick and Jackie Deskovick Foundation
• F.M. Kirby Foundation
• The William and Gertrude Foundation
• The Raymond and Lucille Benedetto Charitable Fund
• Michael and Geraldine Farina Fund
• The Rogers Foundation
• The Paul and Beryl Greetin Foundation
• Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

“My parents are the ones that donated this building here. I’m here representing them. This is the 40^th anniversary of the building,” said Bill Mennen.

There is a network of about 60 volunteers. Major Marta Droz
 facilitated the decorations, which were put up by the Salvation Army church volunteers. Cousins Luz Botero Arias and Magda Zabala have been volunteering for several years now.

“They have good pastors here and they do a lot of this community,” said Botero Arias.

“We enjoy helping out with events to raise money for the kids programs, veterans, nursing homes, Christmas (toy collection) and Major Walter Droz, he’s great at what he’s doing for the community.”

The mariachi singer was Juan Carlos Osorio of Morristown. He gave his performance throughout dinner, which part of it was prepared by the volunteer staff and part was purchased. 

For information on how to volunteer or donate, go to The Salvation Army's Morris County location in Morristown, or by calling 973-539-2700.

The Salvation Army Morristown Corps provides resources which include childcare programs (for infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-age children); on-site food pantries; emergency homeless shelters, for women and children; shelters for men; and shelters for families.