In a short period of time, Lt. John Lawrence and Lt. Candace Lawrence made their impact known in the Ohio Valley with the Salvation Army in Wheeling. The couple arrived in the Friendly City in June 2023, and they’ll depart for a new appointment in Annapolis, Maryland this coming June. In those three years, they moved quickly and effectively to make the Ohio Valley a better place to live.

On top of the Christmas toy drives and Red Kettle campaigns, the Lawrences increased and improved the Salvation Army’s presence in the area. The organization opened a service center in Moundsville that operates five days a week, giving those in need in Marshall County a place to get assistance. They renovated the thrift store and shelter in Wheeling and helped make a dent in the city’s homeless issue by partnering with The Life Hub to run a women’s shelter at the Salvation Army. They also increased youth programming at the organization’s corps center on Eoff Street, including a more robust music program.

“It has been a true privilege to serve these communities,” Candace Lawrence said. “We will deeply miss the people, the relationships and the opportunity to witness God’s faithfulness through the generosity and compassion shown throughout this region.”

The Lawrences will be missed here, too. Annapolis is getting a great couple.