As attested by the show of support bestowed upon a select group of individuals, the Tamaqua community is chock-full of good-hearted volunteers.

Further proof of that was evidenced when the Salvation Army Tamaqua Corps celebrated its centennial anniversary with a dinner Thursday at its headquarters, located at 105 W. Broad St.The group's 100th anniversary coincided with the Salvation Army's national 150th anniversary.Major Sharon Whispell welcomed those in attendance. Major Sandra Jackson gave the opening prayer.Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary Hess, along with a representative from state Rep. Jerry Knowles' office, presented the group with a proclamation. State Sen. David Argall also sent a proclamation.Tamaqua Mayor Chris Morrison presented the group with a certificate.After dinner, the Older & Bolder Bell Choir performed two songs, "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Amazing Grace."Senior Soldier Cathy Johnston then performed Beyond The Open Door.Whispell presented a plethora of awards, including to those stores that let the group ring bells at Christmas time, to local businesses that help the group in times of disasters, to local volunteers who help on a regular basis, to the group's advisory board, and to the media.The Timbrels performed "God's Not Dead," while Matthew Greenly, a member of the Tamaqua Salvation Army and one of its teen leaders, sang a solo of "Now I Belong to Jesus."Whispell gave a special presentation to Lois Holmberg Deutsch, 90, a longtime Corps sergeant major whose family was among the Tamaqua post's original members.Deutsch said she was thankful for all of the friends she's made with the Salvation Army."The Lord really blesses me every day of my life," Deutsch said.Also honored were William Fegley, for his lifetime service as a Salvation Army advisory board member; Esther Stofocik, for her 20 years of employment; and the late Elmer Holmberg, who was a senior soldier before his passing several years ago. Fegley and Stofocik were unable to attend. Elmer's wife, Jean Holmberg, graciously accepted the award.Guest speakers included Morrison, Major Raphael and Sandra Jackson, who shared the premise of the Salvation Army, which is to serve the community, and that Christ is the center of everything the group does when it serves the community.Afterward, the dance troupe performed "Nothing Is Impossible."Whispell then gave closing remarks, thanking everyone for their support."Without the support of the community, we wouldn't be able to do even half of the things that we do," Whispell said. "I very much appreciate the support of the community."Senior Soldier Jessie Durning then gave the benediction.