(CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Summertime offers excellent options for volunteering at The Salvation Army in Huntsville/Madison County.

“Sometimes, the smallest things can make a life or a community a little better,” volunteer and special events coordinator Lydia Pennington said.

Debbie Overcash, incoming vice-chairman of The Salvation Army Advisory Board, agrees. “Volunteers are important in every aspect of our daily lives. They touch everyone in so many ways — in areas that we see and areas that we don’t,” Overcash said.

The Salvation Army is not just red kettles during the holidays, Overcash said. “This summer, they are looking for book organizers at the Thrift Store and people to help in the community kitchen and Angel Tree activities.”

“Madison is blessed to have involved, caring and committed volunteers in many, many places: Madison Hospital, Madison Public Library, our school system, our recreation teams, city boards and civic organizations, to name just a few,” Overcash said. “The Salvation Army runs on volunteers as well and has many opportunities for people of all ages.”

Two volunteers can organize books donated to the thrift store, about twice a week Monday-Saturday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The community kitchen has two openings for the second and fourth Sunday of the month from 2 to 4 p.m.

Many families visit The Salvation Army for help with school supplies, which volunteers collect throughout the summer. Food pantry supplies are low. Volunteers can collect breakfast foods, canned fruits and meats, peanut butter and jelly, Pennington said.

“If you’re looking for a place to make a difference this summer, I encourage you to contact your local Salvation Army,” Overcash said. “It’ll do your heart good.” Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

The Salvation Army office address is 2114 Oakwood Ave. in Huntsville. The Thrift Store is next door at 2112 Oakwood Ave. The kitchen and shelter are located at 305 Seminole Drive.

For information, call Pennington at 256-536-5576, ext. 14 or email to salvationarmyvols@gmail.com.