The Vicksburg chapter of The Salvation Army has branched into a new realm of aid for the Vicksburg community – education.

Using 10 iMac computers donated by The Vicksburg Post, the chapter will offer computer-oriented after-school tutoring August through May.

“When we got here, we went around the neighborhood and asked everyone what the greatest need in the area was,” said Capt. Patrick Lyons, who along with wife, Capt. Keolani Lyons, runs the local organization. “They all said ‘education,’ so we started a program.

“We took an interest in them. We made them bring us their progress reports and report cards,” he said. “And we started to notice that, as their confidence went up, their grades went up. Helping them to feel good about school makes all the difference.””We’ve been very blessed by the donation of the computers,” Keolani Lyons said. “We have noticed a great need among the children for Internet access, and now they will be able to have that. The children also have computer programs that encourage education; reading, English and math specifically.”

The Lyonses and other Salvation Army workers and volunteers and a few youngsters who plan to take advantage of the new program showed off the computers Tuesday afternoon, opening their doors to the public.

During the gathering, the chapter also passed out awards to top volunteers and financial backers for the year.

The tutoring program, known as X-celer-8, was started two years ago when the Lyonses moved to Vicksburg.

The Lyonses have devoted a large chunk of their time since to preparing for the new school, including renovating the building on Mission 66. About 20 students in grade school and junior high are selected for each tutoring session on the basis of need, Keolani Lyons said.

Now the Lyonses are ready.

They’ve already established relationships with youngsters and are offering during the summer the Saints Alive program, indoor and outdoor activities focusing on the arts. The goal here, the Lyonses said, is to give the children something to do during the summer and keep Salvation Army contact with them while school is not in session.

AwardsNo. 1 Bell Ringing location – Wal-Mart SuperCenter for raising $16,500Volunteer Awards – Jackie Wagner, Barbara CopelandTop Bell Ringing Group – 1. Port City Kiwanis, 2. Lions Club 3. Pride ClubTop 5 – 1. Blackburn Motors 2. Rainbow Casino 3. Ameristar Casino 4. The Rotary Club 5. AnonymousMedia Award – River 101 FM radioAnn Allen award – Virginia Morton, Barbara CarsonThe Salvation Army chapter also will pay for about 50 students – again based on need – to attend summer camps, including one high-adventure outing. Those youths will receive a backpack of donated hygiene needs for camp, and the backpacks can be used for books in the fall.

The bookbags were donated by the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, a group Patrick Lyons describes as his and his wife’s “biggest army.”

Because the children will not be required to pay anything for camp, The Salvation Army is asking the community to get involved.

“We need the community to help us help these children realize the dream of going to camp,” says Keolani Lyons.

“We rely on the help of others to get what we need done,” she said.

The Salvation Army operates with support from outside sources, and some of those were honored Tuesday during the awards ceremony.

“We couldn’t do it without them,” Patrick Lyons said.

Donations for summer camp can be sent to P.O. Box 1116, Vicksburg, MS 39182. Specify the donation is for camp. The number for more information is 601-636-2706.

The Salvation Army in Vicksburg, which is supported by the United Way of West Central Mississippi, also offers noon meals for the needy throughout the week and operates a thrift shop that sells donated clothing and furniture.