Salvation Army names new leaders at Elgin Corps Community Center

The Salvation Army Elgin Corps, one of the largest direct providers of basic human needs in northern Kane County, will continue to provide summer programs and weekly social and worship services during the transfer of leadership.

Lieutenants Mike and Kelly Hanton, who have served the Elgin area as Administrators for the past four years, are transferring to the Kansas and Western Missouri Division as Divisional Youth Secretaries in charge of all youth programs and camps in the two state area.

Lt. Mike Hanton states, "We are sad to leave a community that has supported The Salvation Army in amazing ways, both financially and through volunteerism, but we highly commend the new leadership that is replacing us. We are grateful for our years as administrators at the Elgin Salvation Army, and we truly appreciate the many community leaders, volunteers, donors, staff, and agency directors that have supported the mission."

New leadership begins at the end of June with the transfer of Captains Xavier and Heather Montenegro from The Salvation Army College for Officers Training in Chicago to the Elgin Corps Community Center.

Both Captains Xavier and Heather Montenegro served for six years on staff at CFOT, and were heavily involved in the training of new Salvation Army officers. Captain Xavier holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and master of social work from the University of Illinois, Chicago and a masters of Christian Formation from North Park Theological Seminary. Captain Heather holds a bachelor's degree in social work from the University of Illinois, Chicago.

Captain Xavier Montenegro states, "We are excited to serve as Corps Officers (administrators) at the Elgin Corps and look forward to getting to know and becoming part of the community. Our commitment is to continue living out the mission of The Salvation Army to meet spiritual and physical needs in the name of Jesus Christ."

All programs and services are at The Salvation Army, 316 Douglas Ave, Elgin and include:

• Summer Day Camp in partnership with The Ivy Academy. For registration information, call (224) 281-4979 or email info@theivyacademy.org.

• Weekly food distribution on Fridays. Families in need, contact Lilibeth or Melissa at (847) 741-2304. Volunteers are needed every Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sign up online at www.salarmyelgin.org.

• Summer camping programs for youth. For information, contact Hannah at Hannah_reynolds@usc.salvationarmy.org or (847) 741-2304.

• Sunday worship and weekday fellowship groups. For more information, visit www.salarmyelgin.org.

To donate in support of these programs, mail to The Salvation Army, 316 Douglas Ave., Elgin IL 60120 or donate online at www.salarmyelgin.org. All donations stay local to provide for families and individuals in need.