Volunteer Spotlight

In 2001, Janet Mellon became the new director of the Southington food pantry in Southington, Conn. Her predecessor had been involved with this Salvation Army local service extension unit, which is comprised of volunteers who serve the community in the absence of a local Salvation Army building and pastors. Mellon continued her work there, but after the events of Sept. 11, 2001, she saw the Army’s work through enlightened eyes.

“I was asked to join a group of volunteers in New York,” says Mellon. “I spent two weeks at Ground Zero with them and some Salvation Army officers. We served meals and I got to know about everything the organization did. Before that trip, I didn’t truly understand the mission of The Salvation Army.”

Mellon became more involved with Army ministries such as bell ringing and outreach to seniors. She also continued to travel for the Army, going to places that had been ravaged by storms and other natural disasters.

“One year, I went to Pensacola during hurricane season to help serve food. There were lines of people waiting for help, and we were short staffed,” remembers Mellon. “While driving the Army canteens, we saw a man walking with no shoes. Despite his appearance, he looked strong and able. I pulled over to introduce myself and asked if he would be willing to help us.”

“How could I help you? I’m homeless,” said the man.

“So are we,” replied Mellon. “We’re all staying at a shelter. You can stay with us.”

The man’s name was Charlie. He stayed with Mellon’s team for the two weeks she was there in Florida. The Army bought Charlie clothing and gave him a place to stay while he volunteered.

“I set some ground rules for his time with us,” remembers Mellon. “There would be no drugs and no drinking allowed while he was with the Army. He also could not smoke cigarettes while working or wearing the Salvation Army shield.

“I’m a big stickler for rules and portraying a good image. Charlie understood that he was now representing The Salvation Army. He took For Janet Mellon, volunteering pride in his work and never complained.” led to a blessing that would be

When the two weeks had finished, revealed years later. Charlie cried. He said that he had never felt as important as he did while volunteering for the Army. Before leaving, Mellon asked the Salvation Army officers in Pensacola to look after him and continue to give him the help he needed.

Years later, Mellon was in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. This time, she was on her own. She waited in a hotel room for a ride to the Mississippi Yankees stadium, where The Salvation Army was in operation.

“I heard a knock at my door, and when I opened it, a man greeted me and said, ‘Miss Janet.’ It was Charlie! He looked so healthy and different from when I saw him in Florida.”

For Janet Mellon, volunteering led to a blessing that would be revealed years later.

Charlie explained that after Pensacola, he enrolled in a Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC), finished the program, and became an employee of The Salvation Army in Jacksonville. He was now in Mississippi and driving trucks to help transport people.

“The Salvation Army took a chance with Charlie, and it made all the difference,” said Mellon. “Sometimes I help everyone I can, but I’m not there to see if I’ve really made the difference in their lives. But then the last person I help does a little something more, and I see it all.”

Just as Mellon was asked to volunteer on 9 /11, she in turn asked a stranger to volunteer with her in Florida. In doing so, she helped change his life forever. It’s experiences such as this that create more than Army volunteers; they create true believers of the mission.

“That’s the miracle of The Salvation Army,” says Mellon. “That’s why, if they call me to do something or go somewhere today, I will never say no to them.”

by HUGO BRAVO