Listen to this article
Gloria Moen is driven by the passion to meet others’ needs and encourage those around her to do the same.
Gloria Moen was looking for ways to get involved in her community in 2004 when she accepted an invitation to a Women’s League meeting at The Salvation Army Bremerton Corps in Bremerton, Washington.
“I was looking for ways to keep busy and be helpful,” Moen said. “Over the years, it just grew.”
What began as occasional participation expanded into more responsibilities, including organizing Women’s League activities, assisting with office tasks and coordinating the annual Christmas Angel Tree program and bellringing schedules.
Now, 20 years later, she dedicates three days a week to The Salvation Army—five during the holiday season—managing volunteers, coordinating events and handling scheduling and office tasks—all as a volunteer.
“I just feel happy and fulfilled when I see others happy,” Moen said. “And the mission of The Salvation Army has kept me coming back.”
Rooted in her faith and a desire to make a difference, Moen said she’s driven by a passion to meet needs and encourage those around her to do the same. Her efforts have strengthened local volunteerism with The Salvation Army, adding to a community that values uplifting others.
These efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.
Her decades of service earned her the 2024–2025 Volunteer of the Year award from the Kitsap Housing and Homelessness Coalition, a nonprofit that coordinates local efforts to combat homelessness in Kitsap County, Washington.
“I know God put me here to live out my purpose of serving others. Every smile I see and every life I touch reminds me why I stay involved.”
Gloria Moen
“She was recognized for her efforts in creating community and serving so selflessly,” said Bremerton Corps Officer Captain Dana Walters. “Her dedication has touched countless lives for years.”
Although Moen has been offered full-time employment, she said she prefers to remain a volunteer, valuing the flexibility it gives her to connect with volunteers, clients and community members.
“It’s not work,” she said. “I have a lot of love for people, and I volunteer for the glorification of the Lord. He directed me here and is keeping me here.”
Beyond her daily tasks at the corps, Moen goes the extra mile for The Salvation Army’s shelter guests, making a point to greet and get to know the 60–80 residents at the on-site low-barrier shelter, the only of its kind in Kitsap County.
“I make sure everyone is included,” she said. “I’ve learned that it’s important for people to know they can still have a sense of normalcy.”
In recent years, Moen started a tradition of baking 100 cupcakes at the beginning of each month to celebrate the birthdays of those staying at the shelter. She recalled one guest, who, at 70, had never received a birthday cake and was amazed by the gesture.
“She just told us, ‘No one has ever made me a cake before,’” Moen said. “She was emotional and told us how it meant the world to her.”
In 2022, Moen began planning and hosting classes and activities for shelter guests, including tie-dye, jewelry making, watercolor painting and candy making. She said some classes have brought as many as 40 participants.
“I wanted our guests to have a space to get together, learn new things and be creative,” Moen said. “It’s also a chance for me to be one-on-one and connect with them.”
Walters said Moen’s kindness has encouraged others to follow her example, creating an environment fostering teamwork and kindness.
“Gloria is responsible for bringing in many of the volunteers we have helping today,” she said.
The corps relies on around 100 volunteers who can be called in for bellringing and other year-round tasks.
To recruit new volunteers, Moen shares her volunteering experience and highlights the many ways people can get involved.
“I match people to roles that fit their interests,” she said. “I let them know they can help in the kitchen, the clothing bank, food pantry or with any seasonal events.”
Bremerton Corps Administrative Assistant Jen Aylsworth said she sees volunteers and shelter guests inspired by Moen’s dedication.
“She has a great way of bringing people together,” Aylsworth said. “We have such a strong group of volunteers because she demonstrates the love of God when she interacts with everyone.”
Moen’s ties with the community have also helped increase donations, she said, as people are eager to follow her example.
Looking ahead, the corps is preparing to open a client-choice Hope Market, offering a grocery shopping experience instead of a traditional food box. Moen said she’s eager to be involved and is already rallying volunteers and donors.
“I know God put me here to live out my purpose of serving others,” she said. “Every smile I see and every life I touch reminds me why I stay involved.”
Do Good:
- Get on the list for Good Words from the Good Word and get a boost of inspiration in 1 minute a day with a daily affirmation from Scripture sent straight to your inbox. It’s a bite-sized email to help you start your day with goodness.
Download this page as a PDF
