Annual Christmas Kickoff Celebration at SC State House

The Salvation Army of the Midlands held its Annual Christmas Kickoff Celebration at the South Carolina State House on Friday, November 19, 2010.

Thanks to all participants for your important contributions. The event would not have been the same without you!

Thanks to WOLO, WLTX and WACH for your television coverage!

Thanks to the Krispy Kreme in Cayce for donating dozens of delicious glazed doughnuts!

Thanks to The Salvation Army staff, church members and advisory board members for your wonderful teamwork!

Below are photos from the day's event.


View from behind the speaker's chairs before kickoff



Major Richard L. Jones, Area Coordinator, The Salvation Army of the Midlands, and our distinguished panel of speakers

The Honorable Steve Benjamin, Mayor of Columbia, gives a call to care for the needy in our community.

Steve Anastasion, Chairman, Salvation Army Advisory Board, provides a grand welcome.

Terry Povey, Chairwoman, Salvation Army Christmas Committee, shares the history of the Red Kettle Campaign.

 A Salvation Army Brass Ensemble made up of musicians from throughout the North and South Carolina Division plays familiar Christmas tunes.

 Staff Sgt Timothy Mayberry shares information about Toys for Tots and its working relationship with The Salvation Army.

The Heathwood Hall Concert Choir, led by Janis Corley, Choral Director, sings a couple of numbers.

Fenton Overdyke, Vice Chairman, Salvation Army Advisory Board, thanks special partners in the community for their support of The Salvation Army's Christmas programs.

Pastor Paul Pingel from Ebenezer Lutheran Church offers a closing prayer.

Thanks again to everyone who supported the kickoff event!