The Albert Lea Salvation Army will hold its yearly volunteer banquet tonight to show appreciation to the community for its involvement in the holistic ministries of The Salvation Army.

“Volunteers are the backbone of the work of The Salvation Army,” said Capt. Lee Brickson, organizer of this year’s event. “Without them our work here would be difficult at best.”

In years past, The Salvation Army would hold separate banquets for Christmas volunteers and yearly program volunteers. Brickson said she thinks a better event could be organized by combining them both.

People who volunteered in 2009 received a letter from the Albert Lea Citadel with a warm welcome to attend this year’s event.

This year, awards for different programs will be presented to people and companies that have supported the local Salvation Army.

The awards range from the Dove Award, for an individual who has a history of reaching out in the community to bring hope to others. Some other awards are Salvation Army Volunteer of the Year and Media Partner of 2009.

Dinner will be served by members of The Salvation Army Advisory Board and will be followed by the awards ceremony. The event will take place at the Fairlane Building at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds.

For more information, call The Salvation Army at 373-5710.