One mission of the Salvation Army is to feed the hungry. And, for one woman in Craig County, that goal grew out of helping people during the 1999 flood. That's when Lynnda Sooter became volunteer director of the Craig County Salvation Army Service Unit. And, she has truly made a difference.

Nine years ago, when responding to the needs of flood victims, Lynnda Sooter found herself setting up an office in her home. You could say she sort of fell into becoming director by default. And, soon she identified all kinds of needs.

"I began to let the public know what we were doing and the people of Craig County began sending funds into the Salvation Army."

She knew there was the need for a food pantry, but then children came to the forefront.

"We became very concerned about children, are children hungry?"

The answer was yes. So, Lynnda went to work, starting up the backpack nutrition program, which is discreetly distributed by teachers at school to deserving students of all ages.

"Our goal was to offer to every school in Craig County which is what we do now."

Eighty to 150 children are provided 11 meals weekly to take home during the school year. Volunteers with the Vinita, Ketchum and Welch offices make it happen. And, the community responds with funding.

"We never ran out of money again when we started the backpack program."

Unlike the national model which only serves third grade and below, Craig County's backpack program serves students of all ages. Lynnda thought "out of the box".

"I believe we are a blueprint and I believe what we've done, any community, any county can do."

Lynnda is stepping down as volunteer director next week, so today, we say thank you, Lynnda, for nine years of making a difference.