The Rev. J.B. Hawkins and his wife, Amber, founded the Salvation Center in Kannapolis nearly six years ago. It’s headquartered at 1501 N. Ridge Ave. and includes a space for worship, a thrift shop that helps support the ministry and a recreational vehicle to provide emergency housing.

Hawkins has his regulars, a lot of elderly folks on fixed incomes that need a little extra help. He picks up bread and other donations from Food Lion and gets fresh vegetables from a major food supplier. For those who can’t make it to the center, he has a weekly delivery route.

The ministry focuses a lot of energy on the emergency situations — people who lose their houses in fires or don’t have money to pay the rent, women who are abused and tossed out or forced to flee into the night with their children.

Despite the economic boom times for some, a lot of people are struggling, Hawkins said.

While some people have access to social services and other assistance, Hawkins said he is continually amazed by those who don’t.

He’s seen whole families who have packed up and moved from another state for a promised job. Along the way the car broke down, taking up rent money, and then the job fell through.

“It’s tough to get a job, when you don’t have a place to shower and change clothes,” said Hawkins.

The ministry has helped a man who lost his job and insurance due to heart problems. He faced losing his home to get help. With the help of the Salvation Center, the man retained his home, his dignity and is now back at work.

Hawkins shares his success stories with those who visit the center.

At the heart of the ministry is the thrift shop which operates from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Volunteers help to sort and organize the clothes, kitchen appliances, furniture and other donations which come from an area ranging from Salisbury to Charlotte.

Hawkins keeps the prices low. He gives away clothing to the homeless. “When people need help, it’s hard to turn them away,” he said.

During the holiday season, he gets a lot of pleas for help.

One of those he helped was a registered nurse. She was separated from her husband and had no money to buy presents for her children. “You don’t expect middle class America to have these problems,” said Hawkins.

A special part of the ministry’s holiday will be the delivery of Christmas baskets to those in need. Anyone who would like to provide a basket can do so by contributing $25.