At its July meeting, members of The Salvation Army’s Davie County Advisory Board celebrated 30 years of service from Davie County resident Allen Martin.

Martin began his volunteer service on the board in the mid-1980s  when The Salvation Army established services in Davie County. During his tenure of service and leadership, the Army established an office in Davie and expanded its work as the largest private provider of emergency financial assistance.

The Salvation Army became a participating member of the Davie County United Way, opened its first family store in the county,  generated support and interest for a shared client computer database still in use, and expanded financial assistance to include non-traditional needs such as medicine, car repairs, and child-care expense.

Martin, with the assistance of other members, coordinated the local bell ringing effort for many years.  He was instrumental in the process of expanding The Salvation Army’s work and has played a critical role in the growth of The Salvation Army since that time.    

In December 2014, Martin retired from The Salvation Army’s Davie County Board.   

“Allen was a consistent and faithful presence to The Salvation Army,” said area commander, Major James Allison. “Much of what we have done and will continue to do, can be attributed to Allen Martin’s generosity of time and energy to the mission and work of The Salvation Army in Davie County.

“For three decades, this community has been better served because of Allen Martin and others like him who give sacrificially of their time and resources. Allen is loved and appreciated and will be deeply missed.”

Tim Stewart is the local chair of The Salvation Army’s Davie County Advisory Board. He applauded the efforts of Martin over the past 30 years.   

“We appreciate Allen’s commitment and faithful volunteer service to this community through the work of The Salvation Army,” Stewart said. “His support has made our community a better place.”

The Salvation Army provides emergency financial assistance for past-due rent and mortgage payments, utility bills, emergency lodging and medicine. The Salvation Army served 190 Davie individuals  in 2014 with almost $25,000 in direct financial assistance that included emergency lodging, rent, utilities and medicine.

The Salvation Army is a United Way of Davie County agency. For information or assistance, call 751-3334.