Salvation Army Seeks Bell Ringers, Now Accepting Angel Tree Program Applications
Posted
Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
The Salvation Army, Warsaw, is seeking bell ringers to collect money for those less fortunate in the community.
Bell ringing begins Nov. 23 and runs through Dec. 24. Times are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Bell ringing locations include Kmart, Owen's on Center and Market streets, Marsh and Wal-Mart.People who want to participate in bell ringing can call Jody Dalberg at 574-267-5361, or Betty Henline at 574-268-9800.
Proceeds collected from the bell ringing go toward providing food, clothing and housing assistance for those less fortunate in Kosciusko County.
The bell ringing efforts raised $48,086.95 last year in Kosciusko County, and $174,285.48 was raised during the Salvation Army's other Christmas fundraising efforts.
This year's goal is $58,000, and the total goal for the Salvation Army's Christmas fundraising efforts is $188,000.
"The average bell ringer can raise about $132 in two hours, and the funds raised will provide food for families and help provide rental assistance for a family for one month," according to Salvation Army Captain Jody Dalberg.
"Bell ringing teaches children at a young age to give to others, and allows families to bond and raise money for those less fortunate in our community."
Dalberg said businesses, families, church groups and individuals can participate in bell ringing.
The public is invited to the Salvation Army's Kettle Kickoff Nov. 23 at noon at the Kosciusko County Courthouse square. Salvation Army employees will kick off its bell ringing and discuss its fundraising goals. The Salvation Army Band will perform and Santa will be present.
The Salvation Army also is accepting applications for its Angel Tree program.
The program will provide toys and clothes this Christmas to children ages infant to teenagers.
Applications for the program will be accepted through Dec. 21 and are available at 501 E. Arthur St.
To qualify for the program, the guardian should have proof of income, photo identification and information on the child such as name, age and gender.
Signup is available Monday through Friday from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at the Salvation Army.
A Christmas tree will be at Kmart Dec. 9 at the front of the store displaying tags with the child's name, age and clothes size.
People are encouraged to purchase items for the children, and the gifts can be dropped off at the store's service desk or at the Salvation Army.
During last year's program, 1,110 children in Kosciusko County were provided with clothes and toys, 218 teenagers received gift cards, and 538 families were served by the program.
The toys will be distributed to the children signed up for the program Dec. 18 at Center Lake Pavilion.
