CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Champaign County’s Salvation Army recently inducted its inaugural Volunteer Hall of Fame class during its Christmas in July celebration on July 25, 2024.

The Salvation Army is a global organization focused on helping meet human needs and preaching the gospel of Jesus. They do this through providing food and shelter to those in need, support during natural disasters, operating homeless shelters, food pantries, veteran services, rehabilitation programs, youth programs and much more. The Salvation Army’s Volunteer Hall of Fame honor celebrates volunteers who have made the largest impact and who have contributed to the Salvation Army’s mission through a selection of criteria. This criterion includes the length of their service, their service role, and their notable instances of impact.

These final three nominees were chosen through this rigorous selection process and their pictures will be hung on the Volunteer Hall of Fame at the Salvation Army Red Shield Center in Champaign. The nominees selected are Mike Haile, Steve Hamburg, and the Salvation Army Women’s Ministry Group. They were recognized for their exceptional contributions to Salvation Army.

Hamburg has been serving on the board for 40 years in “almost every capacity possible,” said The Salvation Army of Champaign County in a press release. He has linked many donors to the program and was the organizer of Rotary Bell Ringing Day. Hamburg also worked toyshops, participated in senior outreach, helped with the Low-Income Energy Bill Assistance program (LIHEAP), and served in the food pantry.

Haile has been serving on the board for 30 years and has been relocated multiple times. He has been involved with constructing the Salvation Army’s Red Shield center.  He has also assisted in obtaining media coverage, as well as coordinating interviews, radio spots, and newspaper coverage. Haile is also responsible for introducing others in the community to The Salvation Army. Some of these people have gone on to become long-time supporters or board members themselves.

The Women’s Ministry is one of the largest Christian organizations, founded in 1907. It has served toy shops, fundraisers, thank you events, seniors, and taught the Bible. The Women’s Ministry is “the backbone of Salvation Army events, the Women’s Ministry is always there to share the Salvation Army message of service in Jesus’ name,” said the Salvation Army in a press release. On top of that, the organization also serves as a group for spiritual support.

Each honoree received a jacket in commemoration of their service.

“These three first inductees have a heart for God, The Salvation Army, and others. We couldn’t be happier to honor them in this way,” said Captains Melissa and Kenyon Sievels, officers of The Salvation Army.