Mount Vernon Salvation Army Captain Moretz honored with Zelkowitz Award for Community Service
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Olivia Greenich Stern
Food For The Hungry Digital Content & Marketing Director
(330) 260-4059
cantact@foodforthehungrycares.org
Dec 19, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HEADLINE: MV Salvation Army Captain Moretz honored with Zelkowitz Award for Community Service
MOUNT VERNON — Food For The Hungry (FFTH) is proud to announce Captain Christine Moretz as the recipient of the esteemed Zelkowitz Memorial Award for Community Service. The award, sponsored by Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU), recognizes an individual whose tireless dedication and community leadership embody a spirit of service and compassion.
The Zelkowitz Memorial Award is presented annually during the Food For The Hungry Broadcast to a citizen of Knox County who exemplifies a spirit of community service, particularly in relation to Food For The Hungry. The award is given in memory of Stephen Zelkowitz, former president and general manager of Mount Vernon Broadcasting and president of Mount Vernon Cablevision. As a community leader in various charitable events, Stephen helped grow the Food For The Hungry initiative in Knox County, supporting Charlie Kilkenny’s vision.
Captain Moretz serves as the Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army Mount Vernon Corps, where her leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication have become an anchor of hope for the community she affectionately calls her "second home."
Born in Hempstead, New York, Captain Moretz’s childhood as a "Salvation Army officer’s kid" fostered a deep-seated heart for people, taking her family to New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and Ohio. These experiences planted the seeds of service that would later define her calling.
Before her full-time ministry, Captain Moretz built a successful career in early childhood education, earning her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Cincinnati while working as the Childcare Director at Glenwood Childcare Center in Columbus, Ohio, and raising her two children, Michael and Victoria.
Answering a lifelong call to Officership in 2011, she was commissioned as an Ordained Officer in The Salvation Army in 2013. Following impactful service in Youngstown, Ohio, she was appointed to lead the Mount Vernon Corps, where her impact has been profound.
Captain Moretz’s work perfectly reflects the mission of The Salvation Army: to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in Christ’s name without discrimination. Her leadership is characterized by humility, tireless service, and a genuine love for every person who walks through her doors. She is a hard-working, dedicated, and selfless servant committed to building a better tomorrow for the Mount Vernon community.
Captain Christine was surprised with the Zelkowitz Award on the 2025 FFTH Live Broadcast. To honor Captain Christine, several community members sent in audio clips of their congratulations on the broadcast. The audio was played with a slide show full of pictures that emphasized Capatin Christine’s grace and her hardwork in Knox County.
Jeffery Scott - Executive Director of the Knox County Foundation
“Obviously, your work to address food insecurity issues through the food pantry and in so many other big and small ways is especially relevant and appropriate to highlight at this time of year. But there are so many other areas in which you have made a difference, providing utility and rent assistance to those in need. The list really does go on and on. You have always been a willing partner, a trusted confidant, and a warm and friendly colleague with whom I could share ideas, ask for feedback, or call in a time of need. Those are often the most important parts of what community service really means. Congratulations on this honor, and thank you for all you’ve done for our community to deserve this award.”
Jen Odenweller - Director of The Ariel Foundation
“Captain Christine’s heart is filled with love for all in our community. No matter what the issue or challenge is, you find a warm smile and a quick nod as she answers her call to service and rises to each occasion. Congratulations, Captain, on this fitting honor, and thank you for all that you’ve done for Mount Vernon and Knox County.”
Bill Pursel - Knox County Commissioner
“Captain Christine Moretz’s passion to serve our community is contagious. She has pulled together many people to meet our community's needs. I’m thankful for her leadership to help our county provide affordable childcare, provide more healthy options for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity, and provide a place for supervised visitations. The Knox County Commissioners wholeheartedly support her efforts and congratulate her on this appropriate recognition.”
Matt Starr - Mayor of Mount Vernon, Ohio
“It is with deep respect and genuine admiration that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you... Your leadership with the Mount Vernon Salvation Army exemplifies the very spirit of this recognition. Through seasons of plenty and seasons of challenge, your steady devotion to our most vulnerable neighbors has been a testament to what faithful service truly looks like. The countless lives touched through your work, in often unseen and quiet ways, are a living reflection of the legacy this award represents… The Stephen Zelkowitz Award for Community Service stands at the powerful intersection of faith and service, and you embody both with grace. Your ministry has reminded our community that service rooted in faith is not merely a duty, but a calling — one that transforms not only those in need but also those who answer that call… On behalf of the entire City of Mount Vernon, and on a deeply personal level as one who has previously carried this same honor, I thank you for your faithful service, your compassion for others, and your enduring impact on our community. May you take pride in this well-deserved recognition, and may your work continue to inspire all of us to serve with greater heart, courage, and faith. With sincere congratulations and profound gratitude, and may the Lord continue to bless you.”
Zach Shoro - Childcare Education Director at The Salvation Army of Mount Vernon
“On my first day working at the Salvation Army, I entered the building to the smell of dough and baking. There was Captain Christine Morez, apron on, trying to keep the mess off her Salvation Army uniform, as she baked dozens of chocolate chip cookies. She was preparing our team to deliver those cookies to Knox County first responders, as a way to say “thank you” for their service to our community. That same week, I watched as social service workers hurried about, fulfilling requests for food box orders. But Captain Christine was notably not in a hurry. She engaged with people slowly, inviting them into her office to share their stories and lives with her, always speaking with them as an equal, with dignity and respect. Over the last six years, I’ve watched Captain Christine meet our community with that same gentle determination. She proudly wears her uniform, representing the Salvation Army. But she understands that to truly serve our community, you sometimes have to get a little baking powder on your uniform. Congratulations, Captain Christine. The entire Salvation Army staff is proud to follow wherever you lead.”
To end the time of congratulations, Captain Christine’s children gave touching messages. Christine’s Son, Mike Baker, sent in a voice message, saying, “Hey, Mom! I just wanted to say congratulations. I know sometimes the days seem long. But I hope this helps you realize just how much of an impact you can have on a community.”
Christine’s Daughter, Victoria, and her grandson sent in a video to surprise Christine. Victoria tenderly shared, “Congratulations! We are both so proud of you and so happy for you for winning this award. You are absolutely deserving of it. You are an incredibly hard worker. You are resilient. I’ve loved to see your passion for this community and the heart that you have for people. You are inspiring us every day. We couldn’t be prouder. We love you so much, and we are so happy for you.”
As the presenters of the award, FFTH President Austin Swallow and MVNU President Carson Castlemen both praised the Captain. Castleman said to Captain Christine, “On behalf of MVNU, we are excited to give this (award) to you. As I watched your (testimonial) video, I saw all throughout it the tapestry of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your service to this community - thank you for your service to the Kingdom.” Swallow followed, saying, “Christine is a true friend. She does live what she preaches, and I appreciate that the most about her.”
Captain Christine's response to the praise was humble. “I give God all the glory. It is because of Him that I live and breathe, and I am able to do what I can do for others. We don’t get it right all the time, but I do my best to love the Lord through service to others and to love his people - because He loves me and He loves you. I’m so very honored and humbled and grateful. To God be the glory! Thank you - thank you to this community.”
Food For The Hungry is honored to partner with Mount Vernon Nazarene University to present the Zelkowitz Memorial Award to its 2025 recipient, the well-deserving Captain Christine Moretz.
To learn more about FFTH, visit www.FoodForTheHungryCares.org and find history, photos, radio interviews, and more. The video archive of the 2025 FFTH Live Broadcast is available at MVNU.tv in the on-demand tab and will be available for a full year. The Zelkowitz Memorial Award is presented at the 44-minute and 27-second mark in the broadcast.
Food For The Hungry, celebrating 44 Years of Working Together To Care For Our Neighbors.
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Photo Captain - Captain Moretz receives Zelkowitz award on the 2025 FFTH Live Broadcast.
