Salvation Army serves all

PERKINS TWP. — The Salvation Army is more than a community service nonprofit.It's also a church.Tracy and Kevin Knappins are the envoys of Sandusky's Salvation Army. They also have double-duty serving as pastors of the church that draws about 40 people each Sunday.About four-and-a-half years ago, the Knappins came from the Toledo area to Sandusky's Salvation Army, which has existed since 1888."We've been mandated by God to meet the community's needs," Tracy said.Sunday worship, which uses a mix of contemporary and traditional music, takes place at 11 a.m. after Sunday school at 9:45 a.m.At 12:30 p.m., children and adults can participate in a worship arts program consisting of a bell choir, dance and more.During the week, programming is available for students in kindergarten through high school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A women's ministry meets Mondays and an adult Bible study comes together at noon Thursdays.Corps Cadets, a teen leadership program, meets each Wednesday for students in grades 7-12. Through studying the Bible and completing service projects, they learn to be leaders at church and in the community.In the past, projects Corps Cadets have assisted with included packing thanksgiving baskets, distributing Christmas gifts to children, helping serve hot cocoa at the tree lighting in downtown Sandusky and more."It's a family-friendly youth-focused church," Tracy said. "Our services focus on children and young people."All year, Salvation Army provides a food pantry, tax preparation help and utility assistance for anyone in the community, Tracy said.Sandusky's Salvation Army will also host a toy drive for children in need from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Wal-Mart on Milan Road to collect new toys for children's Christmas gifts.Most of the funds collected for the Salvation Army's programming happens with the bell ringers who are commonly seen outside stores in November and December. Erie County residents will begin to see bell ringers Nov. 22 at the Sandusky Mall and Wal-Mart.In 2019, Sandusky's Salvation Army has had 957 volunteers who racked up 3,365 hours across all nonprofit service programs. This year's number of volunteers is a 44 percent increase from 2018."It's all about awareness," Kevin said. "If people aren't aware, they won't help."To volunteer or make a donation, call 419-626-3862, message the nonprofit's Facebook page or visit neo.salvationarmy.org/northeastohio/sandusky. Donations can also be mailed to: The Salvation Army Sandusky; 3333 Columbus Ave.; Sandusky, OH 44870.Get to know the Salvation ArmyAddress: 3333 Columbus Ave., SanduskyPhone: 419-626-3862Facebook: Salvation Army (@thesalvationarmysanduskyohio)Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook.com/CaitliNearhoodEnvoys Kevin and Tracy Knappins stand together at The Salvation Army in Perkins Township on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019.The Sandusky Salvation Army is located at 3333 Columbus Ave, in Perkins Township.The worship area at the Sandusky Salvation Army on Columbus Avenue in Perkins Township.The Salvation Army collects toys to distribute to families during the Christmas season.