Chamber of Commerce representatives, along with representatives and employees of the Coffee County Salvation Army, recently gathered at the newly-opened recycling center at 90 North Street in Douglas for a ribbon cutting ceremony, officially opening the center for business.
Baling processes that will be conducted at the recycling center will make it possible for the Salvation Army to send donations that won’t make it into the family store to other parts of the world. The baling process can help process donations into over 750 pound bales and triple revenues for the Salvation Army, according to Douglas Salvation Army Director Perette Morris.
Morris described her relationship with the patriarch of the Coffee County Salvation Army, Dick Worrell. She had been in between jobs when she was referred to the Salvation Army by a friend in 2006. She was able to meet with Mr. Worrell for an interview and was soon offered the job.
“I’m doing what Mr. Worrell would have wanted me to do,” she said on overseeing the completion of the recycling center.
Mr. Worrell passed away after beginning the plans for the recycling center, which would be the last project he would work on. Its completion, and its purpose, is a sign of the determination and giving nature that Worrell displayed in life.
Jim Morrow, Service Extension Director for the Salvation Army, described Mr. Worrell as a man “sold out to the mission of the Salvation Army.” That mission is described as “Soup, Soap, and Salvation.”
This mission originates with the founder of the Salvation Army, William Booth, who determined that people who are going hungry, are homeless, or are in need in other ways may not be able to hear the message of salvation through Jesus Christ because of their circumstances. Through donations, charity, and relief efforts, the Salvation Army works to assist those in need, allowing them to hear the message.
As each speaker spoke words of praise for Mr. Worrell, it became clear just how much of an impact he has left on the community. For this reason, the Salvation Army Recycling Center, his final project, was dedicated to his memory at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of international operations by the Salvation Army, and the 125th anniversary of operations in Georgia. The Salvation Army located in Douglas has been a tremendous asset to the community and helps families in need in many different ways.
With this new and more efficient way to help those around the world, the Salvation Army will also be able to help our own community even more.
“We’re going to be able to help so many more people in our community,” stated Nanette Hamilton, Service Center Representative for the Salvation Army.
Representatives of the Coffee-Douglas Chamber of Commerce and other members of the community conveyed messages of thanks and appreciation for the work that the staff and members of the Salvation Army do for those in our area.
