Whenever the need arises, they voluntarily take it upon themselves to answer the call.

For their good-hearted efforts, a number of people who offer their services freely received their just due as the Tamaqua Salvation Army held its volunteer recognition dinner Thursday at La Dolce Casa in Tamaqua.Major Sharon Whispell, pastor, began the program by announcing that there were over 60 people in attendance.She expressed her thanks to everyone, and let them know how much their work is appreciated."Volunteers for the Salvation Army are the key to what we do," Whispell said. "Without volunteers, we wouldn't even be able to do half of what we do."Whispell mentioned some of the group's achievements."All of you in this room do an amazing job, so thank you to all of you," she said. "I want to thank every one of you, because you do an amazing job."Certificates of appreciation were given out to Kettle Workers Manuel Dacosta; Joanne Danko; Mark Danko; Ed Dorman; Joanne DuBois; Pat Fredericks; Chris Hettler; Linda Hosler; John (Jack) Huber; Steve Melnick; Jen Owen; Terry Pitak; Brian "Cletus" Tomes; Eric Welker; Noah Griffin; Mark Melnick; Tina Moyer; and Darlene Rao. Others include John Flannigan; Fay Herr; Mary Herman; Cathy Johnston; and Andy Leibenguth.Kettle teams/organizations who received special awards were Curtis Bailey, representing the West Penn Lions Club, and Mike Putt, representing the Tamaqua Rotary.Special awards were also given out to Melnick (Bell Ringer Perfect Attendance); Tomes (Top Christmas Kettle Worker); Hosler (Year Round Kettle Worker); John and Tammy Sienkiewicz (Safer Streets for Little Feet), and La Dolce Casa. A special award will also be given to St. Luke's Miners Campus.Dina Depos, grant writer/program coordinator, for the Tamaqua Salvation Army, then read off the list of Angel Tree Appreciation Award winners.Awards were given out to Karen Davison; Georgia DeWire; Pat Fredericks; Mary Lesniak; Georgine Snyder; Joan Stein; and Eric Becker. Others include Debbie Dodson, Michele, Jimbo, and Hunter Nause; Candy Behun; Lisa Hiles; Joe and Carol Kalista; Janet Kester; and Leibenguth.Businesses include St. John's

U.C.C., Tamaqua YMCA; Cal's Auto; Times News Tamaqua Office; Schuylkill Carbon Marine Corps League; Golden Living - York Terrace; St. Luke's Miners Campus; and Hiles Brothers.Whispell also said that Basile's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria of Hometown provided the Salvation Army with a free meal on the day of its distribution for its food and angel tree gifts, and will also receive an award.