Although the downtown Napa's Salvation Army thrift store is gone for good, the mission at the corner of Franklin and Randolph streets still holds regular worship services, Bible study and specialized classes for women, children and teens.
Currently the Napa Corps operates much-needed programs for community members in need. The Napa Corps’ signature program is a five-day a week free lunch program. Community members in need can go to The Salvation Army in Napa for a free lunch Monday through Friday. This program has seen an increase in attendance due to the current economic climate. On some days, the program feeds more than 70 people a day.
The Salvation Army also runs numerous Youth programs, including summer camping opportunities and musical training. They also operate an Emergency Disaster response canteen, and the Napa team responds to local emergencies when called upon by serving hot meals and cold drinks to first responders and survivors.
Major Neil Saunders, a fourth-generation Salvation Army Officer, brings more than 52 years of Salvation Army experience to his Napa appointment.
The great-grandfather of Major Saunders was one of the Officers who commenced the work of The Salvation Army in Australia and eventually New Zealand.
Major Saunders’ last appointment was as General Secretary for the Adult Rehabilitation Center. He oversaw the communications and overall functions of 26 substance abuse treatment centers within the Western Territory of The Salvation Army, a large and coveted appointment.
He has also spent many of his service years in third world countries. He has served in the Bahamas, Jamaica and Chile and helped rebuild homes in earthquake-stricken Haiti.