Salvation Army Employee Celebrates
More Than 35 Years of Service

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, July 23, 2008 - A kitchen attendant turned supervisor has spent more than half of her life helping serve others at The Salvation Army.

Maggie Robinson's long journey with The Salvation Army began in 1972 when she met Brigadier Gertrude Purdue, who with her husband, served as Memphis Area Commander from 1962-1973. Robinson had been recommended for a position in the kitchen. When Brig. Purdue asked Ms. Robinson if she could cook for a crowd, the response was "I cook for my four boys - and that's a lot of cooking." Thus began her career with The Salvation Army, first as a cook, then as a dietician. Today she is Food Service Manager and has a staff of six.

When she became a Salvation Army employee, Robinson, the sole supporter of her four young sons, lived in Lamar Terrace. She and her sons joined The Salvation Army Corps (church) and became actively involved in worship and family-centered activities. In fact, The Salvation Army's focus on serving others and his own personal experiences with the organization led one of her sons to become a Salvation Army officer. That son, Major Neal Richardson, has been a Salvation Army officer for more than 20 years and has risen through the ranks to become the Divisional Commander of the Midland Division, which is headquartered in St. Louis.

Robinson, who turns 71 on August 2, has met many interesting people through her time with The Salvation Army. Although it is sometimes difficult when a family she has served leaves the shelter, she says she prays for them and tries not to get too attached. "I always know it is a good thing when they leave the program because it means they are doing better," Robinson said.

Robinson loves working for The Salvation Army because it gives her a chance to serve others and to prepare food for them. "I cook for our clients like they are my own family," she said.

The Salvation Army not only meets the physical needs of the people it serves but it meets their spiritual needs as well. Robinson has seen all different kinds of people walk through the doors of The Salvation Army and is grateful that the organization always accepts them with open arms. It is one of the things she loves most about working for the non-profit.

"If a person comes in and is hungry and cold, he will not listen to you about their soul, but if you feed him and put some clothes on him, then he will listen," Robinson said adding, "I love people, and this is where God wants me to be." Major Mark Woodcock, Area Commander of the Salvation Army describes Robinson as a dedicated, loving, and caring individual. "Maggie is known for putting the needs of others first, and she always has a positive attitude. We are indeed blessed to have her on our staff."

The Salvation Army is about doing the most good, through time, money and resources. In Robinson's case, this is very true. She sees her three-meal a day service in the kitchen as her calling to give her time to God. Despite her 71 years and 36 years of service Robinson shows no signs of retirement in her near future.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army Memphis began its work in the city on October 18, 1900. Since then, the organization has fought hunger, homelessness, addiction, poverty, abuse, and suffering caused by disaster. At the center of The Salvation Army's work in Memphis is a common belief that all people can make positive changes. The Salvation Army believes in the healing power of compassion, love, dignity and respect, and use these principles to guide our actions and words.

The Salvation Army values the transforming power of God and the salvation that comes from knowing Christ as our personal savior. The Salvation Army believes that enduring change comes from holistic ministry to the mind, body and spirit.

In 2007, The Salvation Army Memphis helped more than 17,855 people, provided more than 65,000 nights of lodging, and served 208,251 meals and snacks. For more information on our work, visit www.salvationarmymemphis.org.

CONTACT:
Abby Turner
Thompson & Berry PR
(901) 328-5233

Elizabeth Duncan
The Salvation Army
(901) 260 -9130