On May 16, 2026, at Tanglewood Resort in Pottsboro, Texas, The Salvation Army hosted its annual It Takes An Army Dinner, bringing together community members and supporters to raise funds for programs serving the Texoma area.
According to Lieutenant Brian Shea, Corps Officer with The Salvation Army, 86 percent of the funds raised through the event remain local, directly supporting individuals and families across Texoma.
“We use this event to enlist the community to better serve the community,” Lieutenant Shea shared. “We want to improve the lives of our Texoma neighbors, strengthen our community, and bring compassion to those in need.”
Lieutenant Shea and his wife, Donna, who also serves as an officer, work to build partnerships with local businesses and community members to expand the organization’s impact and continue the mission The Salvation Army has long been known for.
For the Sheas, that mission is deeply personal.
“We meet needs without discrimination,” said Lieutenant Shea. “Both my wife and I experienced firsthand what it means to receive help through The Salvation Army. We were struggling and needed support and direction. Through recovery, faith, and the programs that were available to us, we found purpose. Today, we use those experiences and leadership skills to help others throughout Texoma.”
One of the organization’s strongest areas of focus is youth development. Through camps and programming centered around mentorship, creativity, and life skills, The Salvation Army provides opportunities that help young people grow into confident and engaged members of their communities. Among the most popular offerings are camps focused on music and the arts.
During the evening, several youth participants shared personal testimonies and thanked The Salvation Army for the opportunities they have received. Some shared that they will travel to Costa Rica this summer, supported in part by funds raised at the dinner, to serve underprivileged children through faith, music, and art.
To learn more or support The Salvation Army Texoma, visit the Sherman office or call 903-868-9602.