Letters to the Editor

Salvation Army records open, available

I was appalled at the many inaccurate statements and insinuations contained in the Michael L. Owens and Bob Stuart article printed in The News Virginian ("Joy of giving may be tainted," Nov. 13). I believe it was deliberately timed at this crucial point to hamper the fundraising efforts of The Salvation Army. Because of my life-long association with this organization and the many positions I have filled in it, I feel qualified to address these unfair statements. I am writing as a private citizen. Under no circumstances am I to be considered an official spokesperson of The Salvation Army. Now, on to the facts.

1. The "no comment" incident never happened. A message was on Major Linda Sloan's answering machine leaving a telephone number and a "please call message." Upon returning the call, she also got an answering machine and left the message that she was now in the office if he wished to call her. That call was never answered. Period.

2. The records of charitable donations are always kept and acknowledged except for coins or bills placed into the kettles and the donor cannot be identified. Those placed in an envelope along with a name and address and checks are acknowledged and receipted so that donors can list them on their taxes. Further, there is an involved and functioning Advisory Board made up of prominent business persons and involved citizens who meet monthly. At these meetings, the board is provided with a complete financial report of the preceding month.  Any questions they have are answered at that time.

3. The Salvation Army is in no way reluctant to answer questions regarding finances. There is a yearly financial report supplied for everyone attending the Annual Appreciation Dinner with a personal copy at each place. A copy of this report can be obtained upon request. I was at last year's dinner and got mine, Channel 29 was there, too. Hmm ... where was The News Virginian and the other accusers- Could it be it wasn't important enough or didn't fit their agenda- They were invited!

4. I was employed for a number of years as bookkeeper at the local Salvation Army and can tell you there is great accountability required: Once each year there is an internal audit conducted by The Salvation Army auditors. These audits are very detailed. Once every two to three years there is an external audit by an outside auditing firm. The Salvation Army is accountable!

5. The Salvation Army has great concern regarding their clients and the confidentially of circumstances leading to their needing to seek help. They believe that opening the files and books to anyone who wants to see them constitutes a breach of trust for the clients. They will guard the privacy of the clients.

6. The Salvation Army IS a church founded by William Booth who felt called to follow the command of Jesus to "Go into the world and preach the Gospel to every creature" and the command to "feed the hungry, clothe the naked, take care of widows and orphans, and visit the sick or imprisoned.

Mr. Michael Owens and Mr. Bob Stuart, SHAME ON YOU for attempting to further your own selfish ambitions by riding the backs of the Salvation Army.

Genevieve O. Wood

Waynesboro