It is almost that time of year again when efforts will begin to help those less fortunate in the community.
Salvation Army will place its counter top red kettles at 104 locations Tuesday in Kosciusko County.
Red kettle bell ringing will be Nov. 25 to Dec. 24 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The funds raised during this season will go back to the local community through different types of services and programs in 2012.
The Salvation Army serves about 325 families a month with food and other emergency assistance throughout the year.
The organization serves about 450 families (1,000 children) in its Christmas Angel Tree efforts.
Besides these numbers, Salvation Army has regular weekly family programs through which it serves youth, children and older adults in the community.
The Salvation Army’s goal this year for both countertop and red kettles is $80,000. This is in addition to other special fundraising efforts throughout the season.
Bell ringing locations include the two doors at Walmart, Kmart, Marsh, the two Owen’s, JC Penney, Big R, and Lance’s New Market in Syracuse and North Webster.
People can call Salvation Army at 574-267-5361 Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to sign up to be a bell ringer.
The Salvation Army Advisory board has been working to get bell ringing volunteers and more are needed, according to Esteban Pommier, Salvation Army cadet.
“The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign is a rich, local tradition which unites us all in one purpose, helping the poor,” Pommier said.
A red kettle kick off will be Nov. 4 during the First Friday in downtown Warsaw.
The Salvation Army Angel Tree program is seeking information on families whose loved ones are currently serving in the military or for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that need assistance.
The Angel Tree program provides toys, hats and gloves and books to children 12 and under and gift cards to teens up to 17 years old.
Any military personnel or veterans who reside or enlisted from Kosciusko County are eligible.
“We want to ensure that families whose loved ones are serving our nation during this time of war are helped during the holidays,” said Ken Locke, community ministries coordinator.
Information may be emailed to the Angel Tree program at Ken_Locke@usc.salvationarmy.org or by calling 574-268-7697.
