The old saying goes: “There’s no place like home.”
And that holds true for a group of women known as the Home League, a division of the Tyrone Chapter of the Salvation Army.
Home League was formed a number of years ago when a few women involved in the Salvation Army decided to begin meeting weekly for four separate reasons – service, fellowship, worship and education.
“These women are very dedicated to this important group and have done wonderful things right here in the community,” said Major Karen Garrett, executive director of the Salvation Army. “It’s a great program that is non-denominational and one that every woman could enjoy.”
According to Garrett, the groups meets weekly at 1 p.m. at the Salvation Army building on West Tenth Street. Here, the women gather and discuss important issues affecting the community, the Salvation Army, church happenings, and all kinds of other topics that are appropriate at the time.
“A typical meeting starts with a prayer,” said Garrett. “Then dues are collected. We charge each member 25 cents per week, and this helps defray the costs of the groups’ activities throughout the year.”
Garrett said the women also like to come up with their own programs for the meetings. She said recently, one member brought a collection of games and awarded prizes to the individual winners. Refreshments are always served.
But the women aren’t just stationary.
“We like to get out and do different things,” said Garrett.
These special “things” include field trips, such as journeys to flea markets, pretzel factories and outlet shopping facilities.
“We also like to visit the many nursing homes in the area,” said Garrett. “It may not seem like much, but the residents living in these nursing homes love when we come in just to chat.”
Currently, Home League is planning two very important events: a yard sale and the annual Salvation Army Camp in Ellwood City.
“The camp is one of the nicest camps I’ve ever seen,” said Garrett. “It’s a wonderful time. The meals are included and everything.”
Garrett said the camp provides attendees, which she said is about 400 women each year, with avenues for fellowship, worship and workshops.
Cost for the camp is about $50 per person, but Garrett said Home League members work throughout the year to raise funds for the camp.
One of the fundraisers will occur this Saturday on West Tenth Street.
“The women have scheduled a yard sale at the Salvation Army building,” said Garrett. “Normally, they switch back and forth and have the sales at one another’s homes. But this year, the ladies have been watching the weatherman and think it’s going to rain on Saturday. They decided to move it down here.”
According to Garrett, all types of items will be available at the sale, including clothing for both adults and children, toys, kitchen items, appliances and knick-knack-type items.
Women interested in joining Home League need to know that the group is non-denominational and that anyone can be a part of it.
“Nobody has to join if they just want to come out and enjoy the fellowship,” said Garrett.
For more information, contact 684-0560.
