Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Visits Williamsport Community Garden

August 25th, 2026

Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding visited The Salvation Army’s  Community Garden & Urban Farm in Williamsport this summer. The visit was part of the Shapiro Administration's 2026 Urban Agriculture Tour, a weeklong initiative highlighting innovative projects across the Commonwealth that expand access to fresh food and address the unique needs of their communities.

The stop in North Central Pennsylvania highlighted how The Salvation Army Williamsport Corps’ Community Garden & Urban Farm is increasing access to fresh produce while creating opportunities for education and volunteerism.

The visit came days after Governor Josh Shapiro signed the 2026-27 state budget, which continues funding for agricultural programs that support communities and improve the availability of fresh, locally grown food. The Secretary presented a proclamation from Governor Josh Shapiro recognizing Urban Agriculture Week in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Throughout the week, Sec. Redding visited urban farms and community gardens that demonstrate different approaches to improving the availability of fresh food. In Williamsport, he highlighted The Salvation Army's collaboration with University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Williamsport, volunteers, and local organizations as an example of how urban agriculture can bring people together to provide healthy food.

“The story of urban ag(riculture) is found right here,” said Secretary Redding. “You’ve got this amazing partnership with the UPMC, you’ve got The Salvation Army, all these volunteers and partners with a singular mission – it’s about feeding people.”

Each season, the garden produces more than 10,000 lbs. of fresh fruits and vegetables that are donated directly to the community, helping provide healthy food to neighbors facing food insecurity. It also serves as an outdoor classroom where students and community members can learn about gardening and sustainable food production and grow their own food.

"We are honored to have Secretary Redding choose to visit our garden and see the amazing work happening right here in Williamsport," said Major Sheryl Hershey, The Salvation Army Williamsport Corps Officer. "This garden reflects the many ways The Salvation Army meets people where they are. It provides fresh food for our neighbors, creates opportunities to learn new skills and gives people a peaceful place to gather, volunteer, and connect with one another."

The visit underscored how local collaboration continues to strengthen the garden's impact and support neighbors throughout Williamsport. This year marks the garden’s twelfth year of operation.

The Salvation Army has served neighbors across Lycoming County since 1885. Learn more about The Salvation Army's programs and services in Williamsport at https://pa.salvationarmy.org/williamsport-pa/.

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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.”