Ripple of applause followed ripple of applause as the Salvation Army's 9th Annual Volunteer Recognition dinner was held in East Stroudsburg. Volunteers and businesses recognized and thanked ranged from A (Abeloff Pontiac) to Z (Stanley Zuba) and included anyone who, or any entity which, has provided volunteer help to the Salvation Army unit in Monroe County.

"Thank you all for your services," said Major James Gingrich as he opened the gathering, his second in Monroe County. He gave thanks to all and said, "I am amazed by the number of volunteers," as he cited the number of people served in a variety of ways. The volunteers have a "love of service," he said, adding, "Monroe County is a good place to live."The challenges of today include an economy and employment that is not at its best, but "We live in a very generous community," he added.Over 1,200 kids got Christmas gifts, he explained, comparing that number to the 700 of two years ago.As the over 150 persons present heard name after name - whether individual or business - receive recognition, Major Gingrich reminded all that "each and every name represents a person."From Angel Tree sponsors to breakfast helpers; from emergency services providers to kettle workers; from soup kitchen groups to the Advisory Board, currently headed by Ray Starner - Salvation Army volunteers have had an impact. That impact includes 25,272 persons served, 54,272 hot meals served, 16,746 food baskets provided and over 11,000 Christmas items distributed.Among the West End honorees were Cramers of Kresgeville for hosting counter top kettles.The total kettle income for 2010 is $116, 632.21, an increase over the previous year's $83,189.11.Leading the way for that collection was the Optimist Club with $1,612.16, followed by East Stroudsburg United Methodist with $1,245.14 and the Elks Club placing third.Sites leading the holiday collection included East Stroudsburg Wal-Mart with over $33,000, Stroudsburg ShopRite with over $14,500 and East Stroudsburg K-Mart with over $10,500.The mail appeal netted $81,864 for this past program year versus $74,345 from the 2009 campaign.Also among the West End honorees were the Western Pocono Lions Club and the West End Rotary for helping man the kettles. The Western Pocono Lions Club also received recognition for being a food drive sponsor. Also so honored was Blue Ridge Cable Company.Kinsley's ShopRite of Brodheadsville was recognized for being a kettle location and Blue Ridge Flea Market for being an Angel Tree sponsor. Former Pleasant Valley teacher Shirley Haydt of Kresgeville came forward to receive the plaque of thanks for the Monroe County chapter of the PA Association of School Retirees. She is the Community Service chairwoman for the chapter and was accompanied by Susan Brink of East Stroudsburg, current president of the organization.Joining in the presentation of awards was Jill Brink, Food Bank Director, and Jayne Lesh, herself a Salvation Army volunteer, including helping with Community Care and Emergency Services, and others.The evening's family-style dinner also bespoke thanksgiving as it featured turkey and many of the trimmings, with young folks giving their time to serve and also work in the kitchen along with Major Deborah Gingrich and others."We never take your service lightly," said Major Gingrich, sending volunteers home with an invocation for God's blessings..