The Salvation Army of Marinette and Menominee is welcoming familiar faces back into leadership. After retiring following more than four decades of ministry, Majors Bob and Ruth Fay have returned to oversee Salvation Army programs in the twin counties after being asked by headquarters to step back into service.

The Salvation Army says retirement didn’t last long for Majors Bob and Ruth Fay. After serving for 43 years, the couple says they were contacted by Salvation Army leadership last December and asked to return to lead the Marinette-Menominee corps following a leadership transition.

The Fays say returning is especially meaningful because this community has always been home.

Ruth Fay says the Salvation Army provides much more than its well-known Christmas programs.

The couple also wants residents to know that donations made locally stay local, despite some fundraising mailings using an out-of-state return address.

Bob Fay says the organization stretches every donation as far as possible.

The Salvation Army is currently seeking volunteers for its Christmas in July bell-ringing campaign and is also accepting food donations, especially meat, for area pantries. The Fays will be officially welcomed during Sunday services followed by a community picnic.