Lieutenants Kevin and Alina Santamaria have been appointed to lead The Salvation Army Centralia Corps.
The Centralia-based unit provides a hygiene facility with laundry services and showers, a nightly sheltering program, a Hope Market client-choice food pantry, and a community meal program. It also provides Harvesting Hope Farm, which supplies food for their pantry; additional produce is donated to other organizations.
“New officers bring a fresh perspective to every community they serve,” Northwest Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Kelly Pontsler said in a recent news release. “I am excited to see the ways these officers will meet the needs of those experiencing homelessness, hunger and hardship, and give those they serve a renewed sense of hope and belonging.”
Lieutenants Kevin and Alina Santamaria are thrilled to be moving to Centralia and begin their first appointment as Salvation Army officers, according to the release. Kevin grew up in Arizona and was introduced to The Salvation Army after he met Alina, who grew up in The Salvation Army. Kevin was inspired to become an officer after volunteering with the organization, the release stated.
Alina was motivated to become an officer after seeing how much joy and fulfillment it gave her parents. The Santamarias look forward to moving to the Pacific Northwest. They have twins and are excited to discover nature, art and coffee in this region as a family.
The previous Salvation Army Centralia Corps leaders, Captains Gin and Steven Pack, were reassigned to Everett at the end of June.
According to Pack, it’s standard for members of The Salvation Army to relocate once every five years or so, but transitions depend on retirements, relocations, new members and other factors. The Salvation Army is currently seeing a wave of retirements from its ranks, causing a reshuffle of its members.
“Both Captain Steven and myself have been so incredibly privileged to get to serve Lewis County for over seven years,” Gin said. “We go with so much more knowledge and experiences because of the trust and care of those around us.”
The Salvation Army Northwest Division helps people overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. The Salvation Army serves all without discrimination to feed the hungry, clothe and shelter people experiencing homelessness, provide disaster relief, senior activity and outreach, an adult drug rehabilitation program, and opportunities for underprivileged children.
