Auxiliary gives makeover to family room at Salvation Army shelter
The Salvation Army Center of Hope Homeless Shelter family room recently received a makeover courtesy of the organization’s Women’s Auxiliary.
“Several of the auxiliary members got together to renovate the family room for children and guests while they stay here,” said Lt. Bernadette Correira, co-leader of The Salvation Army.
The room received new paint and furnishings, including seating for children, toys, a flatscreen television, and new wall decorations that combined together to create a comfortable room for families at the shelter.
“They wanted to make it a home,” Correira said. “Before it was a little drab and not so homey. Now it’s a lot more colorful and warmer.”
The improvements were made for less than $2,000 thanks to some creative shopping by auxiliary members Beth Pesek, Traci Walker and Judy Davis.
“It was sterile and depressing and we wanted (shelter residents) to have a bright, colorful space to spend time,” Pesek said.
The idea and finished result came together in about a month.
The room was dedicated to Harriet W. Autrey, an auxiliary charter member since 1980.
“I’m so pleased they did such a wonderful thing. The Salvation Army has always been so special to me because of the way they help the underprivileged,” Autrey said.
The Women’s Auxiliary raises money each year to send youth to camp, buy backpacks and back-to-school-clothes for children at the shelter and also funds special projects like the family room or buying bunk beds for the shelter.
The majority of their money is raised at the Stone Soup Luncheon, which is scheduled for April 20 at First United Methodist Church in Texarkana, Ark. Tickets to that event are $10 and are already on sale. For more information, call The Salvation Army at 870-774-2701.