I have attached a photo of our Campaign leadership - Jim Perdue, Chair; Sheriff Mike Lewis, Co-Chair; Steve Hammond, Past Chair and Media Partner; and Captain Cameron Henderson, Salisbury Corps Officer. We are blessed to have such dedicated and passionate volunteers and staff leading the Campaign.
This year marks the 94th year of the Salisbury Red Kettle Campaign. The Campaign not only funds the Christmas outreach, but it represents 20% of the local Corps annual budget. Last year the Kettle Campaign enabled the Army to help over 8000 individuals including more than 1300 children in Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset counties during the Christmas season who otherwise may not have had food, warm clothing or a toy under the Christmas tree.
Kettle funds also support a variety of youth programs including sports, a senior center, day care center, food pantry and more.
As humble stewards of other people's generosity, The Salvation Army is proud that more than 82 cents from every dollar donated goes directly to services for those in need. The community will be happy to learn that 100% of those funds stay in the communities where they are raised.
In these most difficult economic times and with so many families suffering, requests for Salvation Army services are at an all time high. We need everyone's help to meet these needs.
We are seeking to man a minimum of 20 kettles at least 12 hours a day for 27 days. We urge the good citizens of Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset counties to give the gift of time and volunteer as a bell ringer. Bell ringing begins on November 22 and continues until Christmas Eve with the exceptions of Sundays and Thanksgiving Day.
We invite every organization - business, civic, community, faith-based, fraternal - as well as governments and schools to reserve a time slot at one of the kettle locations. It is a wonderful way for an organization to participate in a meaningful holiday tradition that helps our friends and neighbors. Bell ringing is a memorable family activity that teaches children the value of helping others.
Whether you volunteer for an hour, a day or a week, your gift of time will help The Salvation Army continue its year-round mission of "Doing The Most Good" on the Lower Shore.
To reserve a bell ringing time slot, please call The Salvation Army at 410-749-7771, extension 100 or email kkundell@uss,salvationarmy.org.
I have a feeling this year is going to be challanging for the Corps. I will continue to contribute however many people are worried that after the holidays things are going to get worse. I have to agree, every retail store beef's up before the holidays with temporary employees.
ReplyDeleteYou have inspired and reminded me that this is something that I always intend to do, but don't. I called this morning and volunteered and set the date. Thanks for leading by example.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice person. be careful.
ReplyDeleteThanks, SBYNEWS, for bringing this important public service opportunity to light! Any help that readers can provide would be AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteAnother way to make SBY a better place to live...Thanks, Joe.
You're the man!