About the directors This is the first Christmas in Joplin for Salvation Army Capts. Bill and Debbi Middendorp, who took over command of the Salvation Army of Jasper and Newton
"I had a lady call the other day making sure her application came through, and she said ‘You have no idea how much it means to me knowing my kids will have some gifts for Christmas this year.’ That’s why we do this,” said Debbi Middendorp, co-captain of Mitchell's Salvation Army.
Gift, food giveaway sees another successful year Written By: Erik Kaufman | ×
Lacey Neihoff and Paxton Neihoff load the back of a vehicle with gifts at the Salvation Army Angel Tree giveaway Saturday morning at the Salvation Army headquarters. Over 600 families signed up for the program this year, which has been a decades-long tradition in the Mitchell community. (Erik Kaufman / Republic)
The event had a little different look this year, but the Mitchell Salvation Army Angel Tree project once again delivered a little joy and relief to people in need in the community Saturday.
“We have a great team of volunteers, it’s going smoothly and we have a nice day outside,” said Debbi Middendorp, co-captain of the Mitchell Salvation Army. “We’re trying something new, but it’s working well.”