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Salvation Army

An urgent call for bell ringers

By Philip Anselmo

From the Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army's bellringing effort in Batavia is crucial this year, announced Major Leonard Boynton, director of the local Salvation Army.

“We need to get as many bellringers as we possibly can due to dramatic increases in requests for assistance. With the slowing economy, greater numbers of individuals and families have been coming to The Salvation Army asking for food, rent and utilities assistance, prescriptions and emergency housing,” noted Boynton.

The emergency family assistance office is assisting record numbers of families. In September we assisted 200 families, up from 110 in September 2007. In October 266 families in October, up from 231 last year. Holiday assistance applications have already risen over the 200 mark, toward an expected 700 to 800 families, said Boynton.

“We need groups and individuals to help raise the funds necessary to assist these families in need,” said the Major.

To ring the bells, volunteers can call the local Salvation Army directly at 343-6284. They can also call The Red Kettle Center, 24/7 at 1-877-764-7259 or go on-line to www.redkettles.org.

“We need volunteers at all times at a variety of locations. Please call as soon as possible,” added Major Boynton. “We thank all the caring people of this community who never forget those less fortunate.”

Looking for a Few Good Bell Ringers

By Philip Anselmo

As the holiday season fast approaches, the Salvation Army readies its legion of bell ringers for the ubiquitous Red Kettle Campaign. Volunteers are needed, and anyone in the community can sign up.

From the press release:

“We call upon all businesses, families, individuals, clubs, churches, unions and associations – including sororities, fraternities, schools, business and civic organizations – to consider scheduling some time to ring the bells,” said Major Leonard Boynton, officer-in-charge of The Salvation Army in Batavia.

“A successful campaign is especially critical this year,” said Boynton. “With the economic downturn, this winter is going to be very difficult for many struggling families. We are already experiencing increases in requests for assistance and we anticipate that the demand will continue."

“The appeal of the kettle campaign is that it is very personal. When we see someone at a kettle, we know this is our neighbor, someone who is willing to sacrifice a few hours for those less fortunate or those having a temporary crisis.”

Money raised during The Red Kettle Campaign is used throughout the year to provide services to families, individuals, children and senior citizens. Programs include: emergency family assistance, older adult luncheons & activities, and after school youth programs.

Any person or organization wishing to help may call the local Salvation Army at 343-6284 or The Red Kettle Center, anytime at 1-877-764-7259. Information and volunteer forms are also available on-line at www.redkettles.org.

The Red Kettle Campaign began in 1891 when a Salvation Army captain in San Francisco resolved to provide a free Christmas dinner to the area's poor. Kettles now are used around the world, including Korea, Japan, Chile and Europe. Everywhere, public contributions to the kettles enable The Salvation Army to bring the spirit of Christmas to people who would otherwise be forgotten - the aged and lonely, the ill, poor and disadvantaged, and inmates of jails and other institutions.

News roundup: Coat drive kicks off

By Philip Anselmo

The Salvation Army has begun its annual Coats for Others donation campaign, according to WBTA's Dan Fischer. Folks can drop off their unneeded winter coats at the Salvation Army Center at 529 E. Main St. Those in need can arrange to pick up coats by contacting that same office (343-6284) or by stopping by. No appointment is necessary. The campaign will run through February.

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