THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 24, 1994 TAG: 9411220221
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SHIRLEY BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 86 lines
PREPARING A COMMUNITY Thanksgiving dinner for more than 780 people is an overwhelming project, but when members of 10 local churches volunteer to cook the food, the task becomes manageable.
``Turkeys were donated by churches, local clubs and civic organizations,'' said Lt. Joe Burton, commanding officer at the local Salvation Army headquarters.
One church offered to prepare dressing, another cooked green beans and others cooked sweet potatoes and baked pies.
The meal will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the Salvation Army Building, 400 Bank Street. Three rows of tables have been set up for diners, and takeout dinners are available.
``There is no charge, and the dinner is open to everyone in the community,'' said Burton, ``It is not only for the homeless or those with low income.''
The success of the meal required the combined efforts of many community volunteers, including the Salvation Army Advisory Board, which organized the event.
Oliver's Grocery donated a large barbecue grill on wheels to keep the food warm. And Boy Scouts and members of Lakeland High School's Future Business Leaders of America will serve and clean up after the dinner.
During the year, clothing and food is donated and members of area churches also volunteer to help in the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen.
``Food collected during Thanksgiving and Christmas last year lasted through September,'' Burton said. ``When food gets low, we go to the Food Bank.''
Burton and his wife, Lt. Kathy Burton, also an officer at the center, are in charge of overseeing the event. Ordained ministers, they believe they complement each other in their work.
``We not only help others less fortunate, but we have a full range of religious programs,'' Burton said. ``We try to share responsibilities. I do the Bible study, pastoral care, and preaching, while Kathy handles the Home League for those 16 and over.''
``The purpose of the league is to help women improve their family life and homemaking skills,'' Kathy Burton said. ``We make crafts and visit nursing homes. We also have a men's club.''
Joe Burton grew up in New Castle, Ind., and became acquainted with Hampton Roads while in the Navy.
``I would have gone back to a town of less than 10,000,'' Burton said, ``I decided to stay here because of employment opportunities.''
Burton was employed for a while with a sign company in Virginia Beach. He first became acquainted with the Salvation Army through a basketball program in New Castle and worked with the organization while still in the Navy.
Kathy Burton was raised in Norfolk and lived with a family involved with the Salvation Army. She began attending the programs at 9 and became a Sunday school teacher at 20.
The couple met through the Salvation Army, and they were married in 1988. After attending a two-year seminary course at the College for Officers Training in Atlanta, Ga., they were appointed to Suffolk last June. They live in the Oak Ridge section with their three children, Jeremy, 5; James, 3; and sixth-month-old, Kaitlyn.
Plans for helping the needy at Christmastime are already underway, Joe Burton said.
An Angel Tree with children's names on cards tied to the branches will be in place at Wal-Mart and Big Lots in Suffolk, and at Rose's in Franklin. Those who wish to brighten a child's Christmas may take a card, purchase gift items, and return them unwrapped to the store.
``At Holly's distribution center, we give the families wrapping paper to wrap the gifts so they can have a part in it,'' Burton said. ``Toys have been purchased by the Suffolk Cheer Fund, so most of the children need clothing.''
Distribution day will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Dec. 20 and 21, at Holly's Distribution Center, 665 Carolina Road.
Dolls and bears ordered by Burton last March have been dressed by local civic groups. They will be returned and judged at the annual ``Doll Tea'' to be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at the Salvation Army building.
Red Christmas stockings already have been picked up by volunteers to be filled with safe ``stocking stuffers'' and are to be returned by Dec. 10. MEMO: Makeup days for Christmas assistance are Dec. 1-3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.,
Salvation Army building, 400 Bank St., Suffolk.
ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
Lt. Joseph C. Burton and his wife, Lt. Kathy J. Burton, oversee
Thanksgiving dinner at the Salvation Army. They expect to feed
about 780 people. Churches help supply the food. by CNB