Salvation Army honors volunteers with luncheon

The Duluth Salvation Army held its civic luncheon on Friday, Nov. 8, at the Inn on Lake Superior.

According to Lynne Harme, chairwoman of the organization's advisory board, the purpose of the luncheon was to share information about the Salvation Army, thank volunteers, and give support.

Standing in for Mayor Ness was Keith Hamre from the City's community development office, who proclaimed the day "Red Kettle Day" in Duluth.

About 200 people attended the luncheon.

Luann LaValley is the director of customer relations for Minnesota Power. At the luncheon she spoke about the HeatShare program. The program provides emergency utility assistance for people with no place left to turn. Funds are typically used to pay for natural gas, oil, propane, wood, electricity and emergency furnace repairs. LaValley is also serving as the Salvation Army's honorary Christmas chairwoman this year. Nathan Bentley attended the luncheon and was recognized. He is the creator of Bentleyville, one of the Midwest's largest displays of holiday lights. Bentleyville visitors bring toys and canned food to the light display, which are donated to the Salvation Army.

1/3: Mike Maghan was honored for putting in the most hours bell ringing last year. (Naomi Yaeger photo)

2/3: Volunteers Marilyn Norenberg and Pat Nelson, right, show off cookies decorated with the Salvation Army Shield. (Naomi Yaeger photo)

3/3: Rachel Cobb (right) has benefitted from the HeatShare program and from Salvation Army services. Attendees of the luncheon heard her story by watching a video tape during a presentation. She and her Salvation Army case manager, Dana Weisman, sat together at the luncheon. (Naomi Yaeger photo)