This Valentine’s Day, Join The Salvation Army’s Love Beyond Movement

Paris, Texas  – Valentine’s Day will see a new take on love this year. Known for serving lost, hungry, and hurting people throughout the year, The Salvation Army is releasing its latest national campaign, Love Beyond, created to encourage others to show love — beyond all else — without discrimination.

To be released Monday, Feb. 14, Love Beyond will be an appeal and invitation to the community to join The Salvation Army to serve suffering humanity and show those hurting a love beyond all else. Though released on a day known for love, the campaign will go beyond that the rest of the year. 

“Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for The Salvation Army to release our Love Beyond campaign,” said Major Guy Watts, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army of Paris. Love Beyond is a love that goes beyond life’s difficult circumstances. “While individuals throughout the world are showing love to their significant others, we are reminding people to have a love for the unloved. The overlooked, the oppressed. Beyond homelessness. Beyond hunger. Beyond losses.” 

The Salvation Army, which provides year-round shelter, meals, and clothing to people in need, is one of the first to respond to natural disasters. “We also are here to listen and give direction to those who see themselves as unlovable and without hope. Love drives all of our programs and services. A love for others, and of course, a love for God,” Watts said. “Love Beyond is a wonderful reflection of who we are and what we do. And it’s a call out to others to join in.” 

The Salvation Army serves 30 million Americans each year across more than 7,000 centers of operation, young or old, and at any stage in life. Today, many people face incredible financial struggles and uphill battles to escape poverty. The Army’s faith-based mission embraces all people treated with dignity, and their challenges or circumstances should define no one. 

“Just one surprise expense like a car repair or medical bill can mean the difference between being able to pay rent and utilities or to buy groceries for a family living paycheck to paycheck,” said Watts. “The Salvation Army works to remove the constant burden of worry and stress through emergency financial assistance that helps keep people in their homes, provides meals and food boxes, and other programs to give the suffering a pathway of hope from crisis to long-term stability. Our love extends far beyond the moment of service to provide a new way forward.” 

Only with the public’s support can The Salvation Army provide services every day of the year right here in Paris. Like many other nonprofits, The Salvation Army faces challenges raising critical funds while requests for assistance increase. 

“We are extremely grateful for the ongoing support of the community, most recently seen at Christmas with our Red Kettle Campaign. All the money raised stays here in Paris and supports local programs,” said Watts. “This Valentine’s Day, we’re encouraging everyone to Love Beyond and seeking out new ways to serve and help those in need. You can enlist in Love’s Army with a sustaining gift of $25 per month or reach out to The Salvation Army to find additional ways you can give, support, and volunteer. 

For more information about how you can help The Salvation Army visit SalvationArmyTexas.org/Paris/ or contact Majors Guy & Dolores Watts, Corps Officers, (903) 784-7548.