The Salvation Army Bowling Green Corps is gearing up for its Champions of Hope luncheon, set for Friday at 11:30 a.m. at the Knicely Conference Center in Bowling Green.

Three people, Bob Kirby, Jim Johnson and Romanza Johnson, will be honored as Champions of Hope for their years of service to the corps by Salvation Army USA Commissioners Kenneth and Jolene Hodder.

Monica Horton, a captain with the Bowling Green Corps, said the three have made “real significant impacts” on the local corps.

“The lasting impact that they have on the community from people who volunteer here, or people who receive services here, or even people who work here, it’s just tremendous,” she said.

Horton said the three being honored Friday have helped Salvation Army accomplish its mission of providing aid to those less fortunate.

“We try to bring hope to the community,” Horton said. “We’re the center of hope, a place where people can come on their darkest day and receive love and be accepted.”

She said Kirby and Jim Johnson have both served on the corps’ advisory board for around 50 years, and Romanza Johnson has served on the board for over three decades.

Horton said they have each been “key” in Salvation Army programs like the Angel Tree program and in securing funds for different projects.

“They’ve made some real significant impacts on how we’re able to operate, even today,” she said.

A fundraiser is coming along with the luncheon. Horton said the fundraiser has a goal of $100,000 and even though ticket sales to the event are no longer available, those interested can still contribute.