KINDNESS IS YEAR-ROUND SALVATION ARMY ACTIVITY

Although this is Random Acts of Kindness Week, Salvation Army volunteers won't have to change their schedules to accommodate any good deeds. The organization helps people all year long.

The group will honor some of its own Tuesday night at the Salvation Army Worship and Community Center, 701 Good Hope. There will be a dinner to recognize individuals and organizations that donated their time and money in the last year.

Punch will be served at 6 o'clock, with dinner starting at 6:45. All proceeds from the $8 tickets will go to Salvation Army projects.

Most people know about the Salvation Army Christmas kettles and the bell-ringers who tend them. The Salvation Army gets most of its financial support during the holidays.

But the money earned then, in addition to smaller amounts collected throughout the year, allows the organization to provide utility assistance, shelter, food, clothing and other items to families in need.

Some organizations donate specific items to the Salvation Army. Schnucks gives the organization its day-old bread, and people stream through the Salvation Army's doors daily to get a few nutritious loaves.

"That's what we were founded upon -- taking care of people," Capt. Robert Gauthier, local commanding officer, said. "We help meet their physical needs so that they can start thinking about their spiritual needs."

Volunteers organized by the charity visit various nursing homes every week, bringing cheer to shut-in residents.

Gauthier said it is important that people participate in Random Acts of Kindness Week and continue the attitude year-round.

"If you sow love and kindness, then, if there is a time when you need it, that is what you will experience," he said. "By doing acts of kindness, we increase the opportunity to spread the gospel message and to show what is in our hearts and minds."