WEST PITTSTON — The West Pittston Salvation Army is the little engine that could. But many people in Greater Pittston are not even aware it exists.
Located at 214 Luzerne Ave., just two blocks off Wyoming Avenue, the West Pittston branch of the Salvation Army has been in existence since 1912 and has had over 40 commanding officers, including Lt. Gavin Yeatts and his wife Lt. Holly Yeatts, who hold the reins today.
Gavin said the Salvation Army does a great deal for the community, citing statistics from 2018. The West Pittston location alone has served over 3,311 people, 355 families, provided 8,253 meals and have given out 4,567 toys to children.
The West Pittston Salvation Army will conduct a Global Relief Flea Market on Saturday, June 8 to support the Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO) that provides international assistance to eliminate poverty. All proceeds from the flea market will go to SAWSO.
“It’s a global relief flea market and we have people from the community renting space from us. We’ll have jewelry, clothing, shoes, household items, as well as food and drinks, cotton candy, snow cones and some games,” Gavin said. “We will start at 8 a.m. and go until 2 p.m.
Also taking part in the fundraiser are Duryea Borough Mayor Keith Moss and West Pittston Borough Mayor Tom Blaskiewicz. Both mayors will be placed in Salvation Army “jail” and Gavin will set bail at $500 each.
Moss extended the offer to his peer and Blaskiewicz accepted the offer.
“I’m a board member of the West Pittston Salvation Army since 2005 and Lt. Gavin asked me if I’d do jail time for them to raise money,” Moss said. “I like to help the Salvation Army as much as I can.”
According to Gavin, the Salvation Army is in 130 countries and part of each branch ministry contributes to a worldwide cause, such as eliminating poverty.
“The Salvation Army is absolutely mind-blowing,” he said. “We serve so many people in third world countries, it’s amazing. And these countries need our help.
The SAWSO has served communities in 131 countries and assists over 4-million people per year. There are currently 170 active projects in 60 countries, totally more than $57 million.
Some of the projects include anti-human trafficking, education in third-world countries, sanitation, creating self-sustaining business models and many others.
Space is still available at the market and anyone interested is asked to contact Lts. Gavin or Holly at 570-655-5947.
“I encourage all to stop by our Global Relief Flea Market to learn more about The Salvation Army,” Gavin said. “You will be amazed.”
