Central New York leaders and organizations will be recognized today for their service in the community. The Syracuse Area Salvation Army is holding its annual 'Civic Celebration and Luncheon' at the Oncenter. Our Brad Vivacqua reports.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Whether or not you're attending today's Civic Celebration at the Oncenter, it is a good time of year to consider making a donation to the Salvation Army. The holidays are right around the corner, and the Salvation Army is gearing up to help thousands of people in need.

As for today, the non-profit will present awards to a few organizations and individuals that have helped make an impact in the community.

More than 600 people are expected at the Oncenter for a luncheon, an awards ceremony, and some speeches. The proceeds will help the local branch with its programs which served more than 41,000 people in Onondaga County last year.

The theme of this year's event is "Building Sustainable Communities." Both Le Moyne College and Kathy Ruscitto, President of Saint Joseph's Hospital, will be presented with awards. Sean O' Keefe, the former head of NASA, and Rick Fedrizzi, the President of the US Green Building Council, will serve as guest speakers.

"It's people that are behind us, and we know that they're there every day so that we can do our work every day to meet our mission and to touch those that are in need. We are very fortunate, the Salvation Army in this community, that has such a caring community that's behind us," said Linda Wright, Syracuse Salvation Army Executive Director.

Today's luncheon is at noon, but it is sold out.

You're encouraged to learn more about how you can help the Salvation Army around the holiday season. Visit http://www.use.salvationarmy.org/use/www_use_SyracuseNY.nsf/ for more information.