At the Salvation Army’s annual civic appreciation dinner Wednesday night, area organizations and individuals were recognized for their contributions of time and money to the organization for the past year.

From October 2007 to September 2008, the Salvation Army served 11,350 people, providing 384 cooked meals, 1,074 grocery orders, lodging for 203 people and 12,117 items of clothing to those in need.

“There were a lot of needy people and the Salvation Army did a lot for them,” said Page Woltz, outgoing chair of the Salvation Army. “I think it’s just phenomenal for this size staff and this size town that we have all these things we do.”

Capt. Ray Morton recognized the top three bell ringers who received a kettle award from the red kettle campaign that runs for about a month around Christmas-time each year. The campaign is one of the Salvation Army’s biggest fundraisers.

The first-place bell ringer award went to the Surry Shriners, who raised $5,117. The Mount Airy Lion’s Club placed second, raising $1,581. The Mount Airy Rotary Club was the third-place bell ringer, raising $1,487.

Frank Longest was also recognized by the Salvation Army for his long-standing position in helping the organization by volunteering his time and his services.

A Cleaner World was recognized with the Volunteer of the Year award. The business sponsored the Give a Kid a Coat campaign as well as cleaned flags and uniforms for the Salvation Army and helped soldiers from this area.

“They have gone above and beyond the call of duty in helping not just Mount Airy but beyond the borders of Surry County. That’s what we’re about is helping those in need,” said Capt. Whitney Morton.

Debbie Cochran, Mount Airy commissioner, was the keynote speaker for the evening, speaking about how the Salvation Army has impacted the lives of so many people in the area, including her own. Her family was helped by the organization when she was a child and she has been a soldier with the Salvation Army since 1983.

“The Salvation Army makes a profound difference in people’s lives all over the world and here at home,” she said. “My love for helping others came from the Salvation Army.”

The incoming officers were also recognized at the event, including Chair Emily Loftis, Vice Chair Cathy Spires, Treasurer Pinky Shelton and Secretary Wanda McAlexander.

The evening also provided Captains Ray and Whitney Morton the opportunity to say good-bye and thank the community for all they have done. The Mortons have been reassigned to a Salvation Army in South Carolina.

“You help in so many different ways as volunteers. We have groups who will come in and fill pantry shelves, we have people who will make phone calls and have food drives. You made sure that every child got not one gift but three,” said Whitney of the volunteers in Surry County.

Contact Morgan Wall at mwall@mtairynews.com or 719-1929.