Robert and Claudette Edwards of Yakima wanted to help the Salvation Army when they passed away.  It was announced recently that they left virtually their entire estate as a $500,000 endowment to help fund the local Salvation Army’s food bank. According to local attorney Eric Gustafson, the couple started a food program for the homeless when they lived near Tacoma in the 60s and were strongly committed to doing the same with nearly everything they had through a faith-based food bank in Yakima County. 

They had great appreciation, Gustafson said, for the integrity and Christian heart of the Salvation Army, and enjoyed sharing lunch and fellowship periodically at The Salvation Army’s Senior Center program on 16th Avenue.

Gustafson said that the couple chose the endowment format specifically to assure that food will be provided for Yakima County homeless in perpetuity, because only the earnings made on the gifted funds will be used by the Salvation Army each year.