By James W. Robinson

Staff Writer

January not only marks the beginning of a new calendar year, but it will also see another change of guard at the Suffolk Corps of The Salvation Army. 

In a media release, the organization announced Capt. Johnathan and Kelsey Meredith are leaving Suffolk in January. The Merediths said they will move to New York in January to be closer to family and will no longer serve The Salvation Army.

New Salvation Army Officers Adrian and Karen Twinney will assume leadership roles in January to continue carrying out the needs of the Suffolk, Franklin, Isle of Wight, Surry, and Southampton communities. Captain Johnathan Meredith also thanked the community for their support.

“We sincerely thank all our supporters for all their support this Christmas!” said Johnathan Meredith. “We couldn’t do what we do without you.”

In June, the Merediths returned to Suffolk for their second tour.

The Merediths’ also expressed how thankful they are to the community for making the 2023 Christmas season a success. Captain Kelsey Meredith says that thanks to the support of the community through both Angel Tree and Toys for Tots programs, they were able to serve “over 2,000 angels” in the cities of Suffolk and Franklin as well as Isle of Wight, Surry, Smithfield, and Southampton counties. 

“We were also able to raise over $100,000 this season to help us do what we do 365 a year,” Kelsey Meredith said.

For more information on the Salvation Army of Suffolk or to get involved, go to suffolk.salvationarmypotomac.org or call 757-539-5201.