Norwich – Nearly a year after a fire heavily damaged the first floor of the Salvation Army building at 262 Main St., the agency is launching a new fundraiser to support many ongoing programs and is awaiting final approval for extensive renovations needed.

Salvation Army Captain Jerry Uttley said Friday he had hoped to be back in the renovated building by now, but water damage from a pipe burst and roof leaks last winter caused more damage and delayed repairs. Salvation Army main offices in New York and Hartford have approved the fire damage renovations and now must review the water repairs, he said.

A final cost estimate for the repairs is not yet known, Uttley said.

But the daily needs of patrons and the community haven't been put on hold for the past year, Uttley said, and the need for funding continues.

The agency on Friday announced a new fundraiser that takes in both the theme of community needs and the building restoration. “Rebuilding a Better Norwich … One Brick at a Time” asks contributors to buy a “virtual brick” for $100 or more to have their names placed on a plaque in the shape of the iconic Salvation Army shield that will adorn the front entrance of the renovated building.

“We are seeking your help again to help support our programs that we offer,” Uttley wrote in an appeal letter to supporters. “As many of you know, summer time can be slow for income coming in. We are in desperate need of your assistance to support us so that we can help others!”

The virtual brick fundraiser will support a myriad of programs, including community meals, the food pantry, youth programming, men's fellowship, women's ministries, Kids' Club, music programs, life skills classes and church services.

The Salvation Army has been housed at the United Congregational Church at 87 Broadway for much of the past year, with church services at Cornerstone Church at 169 Franklin St.

Uttley used Friday's men's fellowship program session as an example of daily activities to “make the world a better place, one person at a time.” The group tackled all four of its stated missions — fellowship, worship, education and community service — Uttley said. The group brought donated clothing to a Salvation Army collection box, hauled trash to a Dumpster, had a fellowship lunch and then toured the new Norwichtown visitor's center for a lesson on Norwich history.

“They were amazed at how much history there was in Norwich,” Uttley said. The visit "gave us an education about everything in Norwich.”

c.bessette@theday.com

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