In 1976, the Vicksburg Chapter of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary was organized.

The group was comprised of 30 women and their mission was not only to advance public awareness of the Salvation Army, but also to facilitate services to the needy, assist in disaster relief, provide leadership in group work and fundraise in support of various Salvation Army programs.

“These women have served with the ‘Heart to God, Hand to Man’ philosophy of the worldwide Salvation Army,” SAWA member Judy Monroe said of the organization.

Monroe is serving as the chairperson for this year’s 39th annual Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Soup and Sandwich Luncheon, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 9, at Crawford Street United Methodist Church, 900 Crawford St.

The event will also include a bake sale and silent auction.

Monroe said this year’s luncheon would be dedicated to the memory of Gay Strong, Mattie Robinson, Jean Gann and Jo Ann Burke, who were members of the SAWA.

“We always dedicate the luncheon to members who have died in the past year,” Monroe said, adding a table will be set up at the luncheon with photographs of the four women.

Service to others

Since its inception, Monroe said, the SAWA has logged in many hours meeting the needs of those in Vicksburg.

“The auxiliary women have provided tens of thousands of volunteer hours, serving community children and youth as well as seniors and parents through the Mission 66 Diner, Angel Tree program, Book Bag program, summer camps, and the group has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for The Salvation Army,” Monroe said.

Serving alongside Monroe, as co-chairmen of this year’s fundraiser are Pat Wines and Jacque Henley. Cheryl Lloyd is the bake sale chairperson and Martha Roberts is serving as the chairperson of the silent auction.

Monroe said the luncheon menu will consist of homemade beef vegetable soup, homemade pimento cheese sandwiches, a cookie or brownie, and a beverage.

The silent auction items will also be available for bids and baked goods for purchase at the church.

“You do not have to purchase a luncheon ticket to bid on silent auction items or bake sale items,” Monroe said.

Tickets for the luncheon are $10 and are available by calling 903-263-9507, 601-831-4459 or 601-415-0955.

Monroe said a limited number of tickets will be available at the door, so she encourages everyone to purchase a ticket ahead of time. Take-outs will also be available.

“We are very appreciative to the community for the help they offer during the event and for all the donations of silent auction items and baked goods,” Monroe said.

“Crawford Street United Methodist Church has been a gracious host for our event over the past many years and we give them our thanks for helping us as we raise funds to meet the many needs in the Warren County/Vicksburg community.”