ATHOL — After three years at the Athol Salvation Army, Lts. Jennifer and Michael Buzzard are headed to continue their work in Lancaster, Pa.
“Our time here has been wonderful, we believe this is a wonderful community. We found that the community has amazing people that want to serve,” said Michael Buzzard.
Starting in the community three years ago, Michael Buzzard said they had three goals: to educate the community on the meaning behind the Salvation Army’s work, to grow the organization’s outreach locally, and to change the perception of Athol by highlighting positive work happening in the community.
“Yes, we give out food, yes, we help with utilities, but we do it because we are a church and because we want to love everyone,” said Michael Buzzard. “We don’t ask anything to people we serve, if you walk through the door with a need and we have the resources to help we will.”
He said the Salvation Army has seen an increase of volunteers the past couple of years, and has added two more community meals a week for those in need. But, Michael said, the two have seen plenty of obstacles in the past three years as well.
When both lieutenants arrived in 2015, snow caused the roof to collapse. Michael Buzzard said the entire roof had to be redone, along with renovating the chapel and gym.
“It was a massive project that put us out of commission for a while as far as our programs. But through the construction and everything else, we actually found better ways to take our existing programs and run them better,” said Michael Buzzard.
Unfortunately, he said, the Salvation Army has also seen their contributions decline in the past three years, while their need has increased.
“But out of the struggles we’ve found so many bright points,” said Michael Buzzard.
Lts. Jennifer and Michael Buzzard will depart Sunday, June 24. The community is welcome to join them for a farewell meeting at 10:45 a.m. followed by a potluck reception at 12 p.m. at the Salvation Army.
Lt. Melissa Lowell will be at the Athol Salvation Army next week after finishing her time at seminary.
Michael Buzzard said he looks forward to his new appointment in Lancaster, one of the top five Salvation Army operations in his territory.
“If there is one thing that we can look back on that Athol taught us, it is that we learned the only way that things can be done here is if we work with others,” he said.