The Laurel Salvation Army celebrated its successes in 2009 during its annual meeting Thursday at its headquarters located at 205 N. 13th Ave.

The event, which included a keynote address by Major William G. Mockabee, divisional commander of Georgia, also featured a Youth Meeting Outcome musical performance by Jarelle Williams and Payton Mockabee and bell ringer awards from this past Christmas season.

Captain Bill Mockabee of the Laurel Salvation Army said the musical performance is an example of something that can be done with the young people of Jones County.

“If we invest in our youth, we don’t have to work so hard when they get older,” he said. “Last year, we had 46 kids go to summer camp and we hope to have more kids this year.”

Mockabee said he hopes to add a local component of the camp, which includes Bible and music classes for five weeks.

Major Mockabee, who was described by his daughter-in-law Captain Stephanie Mockabee as a “visionary leader,” talked about the role the Salvation Army plays in the community.

He recalled sitting next to a war veteran on a plane recently and hearing countless stories of how the Salvation Army impacted his life while he was defending his country overseas.

“He said the Salvation Army brought him donuts while he was on the front lines, helped feed him and gave him tablets to write back home,” Major Mockabee recalled. “Our borders have broadened. We’re not the same Army we were back during that time, but we’ve never changed our mission.”

Mockabee said that mission is transforming people’s lives and “doing the most good with our money, time and resources.”

He noted that the size and strength of the Salvation Army has helped the organization “stand strong and stand firm” during the current economic climate while countless not-for-profits have been forced to close their doors.

Also over time the face of the homeless has changed to the man living under the bridge to single mothers, Mockabee said.

“Single mothers have been left abandoned,” he said. “They are living in their cars and bathing in public restrooms. But, they still work and their kids are in school. They just, for some reason, aren’t able to find shelter. They are coming to the Army in record numbers.”

Mockabee said the Salvation Army is known by five personality traits including:

• Compassionate

• Motivated by the love of God

• Trustworthy

• Uplifting

• Brave

Captain Mockabee said the Laurel Salvation Army has issued a new motto this year — “We Are Already On Our Way.”

Mockabee said that motto is encapsulated by the work being done in Laurel including the overhaul of the Family Store and upgrades to its shelter.

“We are motivated to change the lives of people who come in and out of our doors,” he said. “We will continue to serve regardless of the situation around us and continue to meet the unmet need in this community.”

For the Fiscal Year ending Sept. 30, 2009, the Laurel Salvation Army spent more than $1.12 million in providing community service, residential and social services, management and general and fundraising.

More than 1,171 individuals were served through comprehensive assistance.

A snapshot of the social services the Salvation Army provided in 2009 includes:

• 2,054 meals served

• 862 clothing distributed

• 151 furniture distributed

• 39 rent and mortgage assistance

• 31 utility assistance

• 17 medical orders

• 414 bags of groceries

• 772 nights of lodging

• 253 persons sheltered

• 46 kids sent to camp

• 233 days spent at camp

During its 2009 Red Kettle campaign, the Laurel Salvation Army raised $56,998.59, Mockabee said.

“It’s a down economy and we expected a decrease in kettle revenue, but we only netted $10,000 less than we did the previous year,” he said. “Many were envious of our position.”

Thursday night’s award winners, based on fundraising totals, were third place, Laurel Kiwanis Club, $1,832.90; Laurel Masonic Lodge, $3,165.43; and Laurel Rotary Club, $12,724.63. The Laurel Rotary Club has won the top award consecutively for several years.

Also during the Christmas season, a total of 1,566 families received food boxes and toys.

For more information on the Laurel Salvation Army or how to donate, contact Captain Bill Mockabee at 601-428-4232 or www.facebook.com and search for Laurel Corps.