Retired Williamsport Army Veteran Voted Volunteer of the Year

July 24th, 2024

In 2021, after serving 40 years in the U.S. Army and retiring as a Staff Sergeant, James T. Knight returned to his hometown of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Instead of putting his feet up and resting on his accomplishments, the Army veteran dedicated himself to serving his community through a new role—volunteering with The Salvation Army Williamsport Corps. His passion and dedication earned him the 2024 Volunteer of the Year for The Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania & Delaware Division. The Eastern Pennsylvania & Delaware Division posted the nominations on social media, and the social media followers voted on the winner.

Knight’s connection to the organization harkens back to his childhood. He remembers playing basketball at his local community center, known as "The Sal." Shortly after retiring and returning home in the fall of 2021, he contacted the Williamsport Corps to inquire about volunteer opportunities.

Over the past two and a half years, Knight has volunteered 3,200 hours with The Salvation Army in Williamsport. On most weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can find him helping with custodial work, property maintenance, food pantry operations, packing emergency food boxes, answering phones, and more. Whether deep cleaning the kitchen or scaling ladders to replace light bulbs, there's no job too big or too small for Knight.

Knight's commitment to The Salvation Army is not confined to his hours at the Williamsport office. He will fill in as the gym manager for evening intramural basketball leagues, represent the organization at community events like the Little League World Series parade, and serve as a bellringer during special fundraising drives, which can start as early as 6 a.m. He has also become a male role model for the youth programs, where he helps facilitate Thursday evening activities.

Above all, Knight is committed to bringing joy to people of all ages in the Williamsport community. He leveraged his relationships to arrange visits from the Easter Bunny. He even convinced Santa Claus to make multiple appearances during the Christmas season as part of The Salvation Army’s Festival of Trees.

“Mr. Knight likes to bring joy and happiness to people—young, old, and all ages in between,” said Williamsport Corps Officer Major Sheryl Hershey. “He is deeply committed to serving our community as a volunteer for The Salvation Army, and we are incredibly blessed and thankful to have him as a member of our Williamsport Corps family.”

In May 2022, Knight's dedication was recognized when he was installed as a member of the Williamsport Salvation Army's Advisory Board.

When Knight got the call from Laura L. Templeton, Public Relations & Resource Development Director, about being the 2024 Volunteer of the Year, he was moved with emotion.

“Mr. Knight choked up when I called him to share the good news. He managed to find his voice between tears, saying thank you repeatedly. He was moved and humbled by being recognized as Volunteer of the Year, and the Williamsport Corps is grateful for his continued, unwavering support.”