Salvation Army bell ringers will be back at Walmart this year requesting funds to help those struggling in the community. All of the money that is collected locally stays here in Polk County and is administered by local volunteers to help mainly with utility bills and a few other needs that arise. Thanks to the generosity of the community, more than 450 families were helped this last year.
The Polk County Salvation Army has a long history of helping the less fortunate in the community. Although it started out with limited services, volunteers have been able to expand the number of people assisted because of the generous donations of Polk County neighbors, especially those given at the red kettle during the Christmas holidays. The families are not only given Salvation Army assistance to help them through a crisis, but are provided with other area resources which may be able to help them when there is a loss of income and/or when they have multiple problems. The challenges become overwhelming when they have no other support system, especially if they are a single parent and/or a senior.
Also, volunteers always make a special effort to coordinate services with other charities, maximizing the number of people served. For more information about local help, contact Peggy Wooten at panwooten@yahoo.com.
The Salvation Army organization annually helps more than 24 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. The Salvation Army has been a beacon of hope and support in communities for many years. The programs and services are designed to meet the immediate needs of those in crisis, while also providing long-term solutions to help individuals and families achieve stability and self-sufficiency. The needs are great and every donation provides help and hope to those in need.
The bell ringing will take place at both entrances of Walmart from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Sundays beginning on Nov. 27 until Dec. 24. There will also be kettles at Brookshire Brothers in Onalaska from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 19.
Community and church groups, as well as individuals, are encouraged to sign up to ring. Chairs are provided. If you are the first or last shift of the day, someone will be there to set up and take down the kettles. If you would like to help ring an hour or two for this great cause, please contact Susan Duncan at 936-252-2460 or bellringerlivingston@gmail.com. You will be blessed because of your kindness and generosity.
Many of the people who have put money into the kettles in Livingston say they are doing so because Salvation Army has helped them in the past when others did not. Besides donating in the kettles, you may also send a check to P.O. Box 2074, Livingston, Texas 77351.
Another option is contributing to the local Salvation Army account at First National Bank. You may also go to the website at www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/ to contribute. Entering a billing zip code for a location in Polk County will designate the donation for Polk County. Please consider helping locally to Salvation Army for those in need. You are the difference between an empty kettle and the funds needed for next year.
