Salvation Army Returns to Carbon County

APRIL 29, 2025|

Photo – Salvation Army logo – Bigfoot99 file photo

A local charity organization has reestablished the Rawlins branch of the Salvation Army.

On Thursday, April 24^th, Saint Christopher’s Highway of Carbon County announced that it has officially become the local Salvation Army affiliate.

Speaking to Bigfoot99, Saint Christopher’s Highway volunteer Tink Day explained that she ran the Rawlins Salvation Army branch singlehandedly. Two years ago, when she was preparing to retire, Day began searching for an organization to take over Salvation Army duties. WYO Help, a state-wide charity organization, offered to serve as the local Salvation Army affiliate. However, Day said the group was unable to fully implement the program and discontinued its involvement last December.

At the time of the split, Salvation Army Intermountain Division Executive Director of Emergency Disaster Services Ian Anderson issued a written statement acknowledging that his organization and WYO Help parted ways.

Anderson wrote, at the time, that The Salvation Army’s Divisional Headquarters Finance Department was understaffed, resulting in many assistance checks going out “very late.” Delayed payments upset many clients and local vendors that work with The Salvation Army.

Anderson continued, saying that the vendors, who were not getting paid, were directing their frustrations toward WYO Help. This resulted in the organization ending its long-standing partnership with The Salvation Army. Anderson reported that the Finance Department has fixed the issues that were causing the late payments and hired a new employee specifically to support Salvation Army units across southern Wyoming.

Unfortunately, the damage was done and The Salvation Army ceased operations in Rawlins.

This is no longer the case. Day said Saint Christopher’s Highway of Carbon County is now the local Salvation Army affiliate. Day said she eagerly agreed to participate with the reformed charity organization.

Day explained that The Salvation Army and Saint Christopher’s Highway will remain two separate entities, with Saint Christopher’s focusing on providing aid to stranded travelers.

Day said The Salvation Army only helps Carbon County residents, not out-of-town travelers. The charity organization is offering a maximum of $200 to help residents pay for utilities or rent.

Day explained that The Salvation Army of Carbon County currently lacks sufficient funding, limiting individual donations to a maximum of $200. After Thanksgiving, volunteer bell ringers will begin collecting money, which will be made available next year.

Day said people seeking assistance from The Salvation Army must first call Saint Christopher’s Highway of Carbon County. A volunteer from Saint Christopher’s Highway will assess their needs and determine the appropriate type of assistance.

Day will contact the person and arrange to meet them at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, located at 321 6th Street in Rawlins. The individual will be asked to complete a short application and provide a copy of their bill. The application is then sent to The Salvation Army regional headquarters in Denver for approval.

Payments from The Salvation Army can take between one and two weeks to arrive. Day said she has ensured that Saint Chrisopher’s Highway will not have the same late payment issues that WYO Help experienced.

Day said she will begin advertising for Salvation Army bellringers later in the year. In the meantime, the charity organization is accepting cash donations. People can send their donations to The Salvation Army at P.O. Box 301, Rawlins 82301.

To request financial assistance for a utility bill or rent payment, call Saint Christopher’s Highway of Carbon County at 321-6688.