The Salvation Army Texarkana Women's Auxiliary

The Salvation Army Texarkana Women's Auxiliary We function as a fundraising, volunteer service group, and have many projects and programs that can A silver service was provided by Mrs. At a later time, Mrs.

SALVATION ARMY AUXILIARY HISTORY

The Texarkana Women’s Auxiliary has a tremendous heritage. They were the first auxiliary established in the entire Texas Division. The group began with just a few strong women who wanted to show their love and support of The Salvation Army and over the last 28 years they have done just that. The membership has grown to over one hundred members strong and has a drive to help those in need in our community. In 1989 Major Harvey Harwell, Salvation Army Officer invited board members and wives or husbands to come to the service center on Sunday afternoon in December for coffee and cookies. Ben Cook (Mildred), sister of J.C. Cabe and visiting was enjoyed by all. Dennis (Barbara) Benchoff invited wives and a few others to her home to talk about an auxiliary for the Salvation Army Board. They talked and decided to go farther. Their project was to dress dolls, bought by Salvation Army and the Army would give dolls away at Christmas to needy children. The first Auxiliary officers were Barbara Benchoff, President, Gladys Morriss, Vice President, Harriet Autrey, Secretary/Treasurer. The charter members were: Barbara Benchoff, Gladys Morriss, Harriet Autrey, Allisin Cable, Ann Proetz, Cristini Stanley, Nancy Crowder, and Helen Wren. The group grew within a very few years. Stone Soup got it’s beginning when Gladys Morris bought a black pot and used it to make a pot of soup. Since that time Stone Soup has grown and become a tradition that the community looks forward to and enjoys participating in each year.

09/14/2026
Looking for a circle of strong, inspiring women who truly care about making a difference? Join us for lunch and learn mo...
09/02/2026

Looking for a circle of strong, inspiring women who truly care about making a difference?

Join us for lunch and learn more about how we serve and uplift our community together. For just $5, you can sit with us, connect, and hear about the meaningful work we are doing.
If you feel called to serve, lead, and support others, we would love to welcome you. Our membership is only $25 per year, and every woman who joins helps us create a greater impact.

Come meet some amazing women, build friendships, and discover how you can be a part of something special. Together, we can make a difference.

Brandon is just one example of how the Red Shield Youth Center impacts the lives of children.
07/19/2026

Brandon is just one example of how the Red Shield Youth Center impacts the lives of children.

SHOWING UP
Recipient of the Red Shield Youth Leadership Award, 18-year-old Brandon Bowman credits the local Salvation Army for providing him and his sisters with a home—and a family
By Phoebe Warren

“Family is not who you’re related to. Family is who shows up when you need them most,” said Brandon Bowman, 18, the inaugural recipient of the Salvation Army Red Shield Youth Leadership Award, for both Texas and Arkansas. When Brandon and his sisters were taken in by the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope in Texarkana, they were carrying the weight of circumstances no children should have to navigate. What was to come, however, became a testament to the power of community. The people Brandon met through the Salvation Army became far more than staff members or volunteers. They became role models, and, in many ways, they became family.

Read Brandon's full story here:
https://www.fourstatesliving.com/feature-stories/2026/7/1/showing-up

Help a child start the school year with confidence by sponsoring our Adopt-a-Child Back-to-School Program. Your donation...
07/16/2026

Help a child start the school year with confidence by sponsoring our Adopt-a-Child Back-to-School Program. Your donation will provide a child with a new outfit, a pair of shoes, and a backpack filled with school supplies.

Our goal is to raise $3,500. While a donation of $100 sponsors one child, gifts of any amount are appreciated and will help us reach more children in need.

Please mail your donation to:

Kay Walker, SAWA Treasurer
1219 Roberts Street
Texarkana, AR 71854

Make check payable to SAWA and write Back to School on the memo line.

The last meeting of the 2025-2026 year was a special one as we bid farewell to Captain Clara Gomez. She’s been with us f...
05/21/2026

The last meeting of the 2025-2026 year was a special one as we bid farewell to Captain Clara Gomez. She’s been with us for five years and has made a tremendous impact on our organization and our community.

The slate of new officers for 2026-2028 were installed. Captain Clara presented the 2026 Outstanding Member to Beth Pesek.

05/18/2026
Congratulations to Katina Levingston, 2nd Vice President in charge of membership, for being named the Distinguished Alum...
04/24/2026

Congratulations to Katina Levingston, 2nd Vice President in charge of membership, for being named the Distinguished Alumni for Texarkana, Arkansas School District. Members Yulin Brewer, Janella Garrett, Beth Pesek, and Marsha Petty attended the reception.

We are proud of Katina and her numerous contributions to our community.

The Nona Culpepper Game Day was a big success and full of fun from start to finish. We were honored to have Nona herself...
04/17/2026

The Nona Culpepper Game Day was a big success and full of fun from start to finish. We were honored to have Nona herself join us, making the day extra special. There was laughter and friendly competition as everyone enjoyed games like bridge, 42, Mexican Train, and mahjong. A delicious lunch catered by Texas Roadhouse was enjoyed by all.

We also had the pleasure of celebrating some remarkable milestones. Ruby Old, one of our players, turned 101 years old yesterday. We celebrated her with cupcakes, a candle, and a cheerful rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

The celebrations didn’t stop there as Jackie Rehkopf, who will turn 100 on May 1, was also honored with a birthday song.

Game Day continues to be one of our favorite events, and we’re so thankful for everyone who came out to make it successful.

Address

400 E 4th Street
Texarkana, AR
71854

Telephone

(870) 774-2701

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Salvation Army Texarkana Women's Auxiliary posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to The Salvation Army Texarkana Women's Auxiliary:

Shortcuts

Share

Category