The Salvation Army in Laurel is seeking funds for a variety of summer activities to benefit the needy in the Jones County area.

“Many throughout the community contribute to the Salvation Army food and toy drive at Christmas, and those contributions are appreciated,” said Maj. Jonathan McBride. “But the Salvation Army is a 24-hour operation providing services to the community 365 days a year.”

He said the local organization’s most pressing need is funding to send underprivileged children to camp.

“Many youth in our community are home alone and get involved in activities that have a negative impact on their life,” McBride said. “By sending them to the Salvation Army Camp Hidden Lake in Lexington, Miss., they have an opportunity to learn from Christian leaders about ways to lead a Christian life.”

McBride continued by saying that many of the children that are sent to the camp each year live in one parent homes and have little opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.

McBride knows how important camps like this can be in the life of an individual.

“When I was 12 years old, I participated in a camp sponsored by the Salvation Army. I gave my life to Christ during camp and later made the commitment to be a Salvation Army officer.”

McBride has served the Salvation Army as an officer since 1993 and just last week was promoted from Captain to Major within the organization.

The children that participate in Camp Hidden Lake are surrounded by Christian role models.

“I saw a boy one time at camp that was angry when he arrived and had a very bad attitude,” said McBride. “After being surrounded by Christian leaders for a week, I saw a complete change in him. He went from being the worst kid at camp to the best kid at camp. Christian love and acceptance can change hearts, and this camp does that.”

The cost of the camp is $200 per child. This covers the cost of housing, food, activities, and personnel.

“We hope that those in our community will support this effort by making a contribution to the local Salvation Army. They will be investing in the future of our children.”

If you would like to contribute to the “Send A Child To Camp Fund”, please forward your contribution to: The Salvation Army, 205 North 13th Avenue, Laurel, Mississippi, 39440. For more information, call (601)428-4232.