By Patricia Jones, Task Force on Poverty
It’s that time of year when we will begin seeing those red kettles and Salvation Army bell ringers at area stores. The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign for Box Butte County starts December 1 and runs through December 23. It’s our chance to make the holidays brighter for someone in need.
Red kettle donations stay local – directly impacting the lives of our neighbors by helping them in their time of need. The funds raised by Salvation Army bell ringers make a year-round impact to our community through grocery, prescription, and utility assistance. Some funds are used for motel rooms, medical gas vouchers, emergency services, and stranded motorist assistance. Funds serve residents of Box Butte County and are distributed by Northwest Community Action Partnership and the Alliance Police Department.
The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers to ring bells at three kettle locations in Alliance: Grocery Kart, Dollar General on Flack Avenue, and Carter’s Home, Hardware & Appliance. The Salvation Army will have miniature Red Counter Kettles that will be located at J&Js Pitstop, Git’N Split, and Grocery Kart Alcohol as well.
Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday from 5 - 7pm at Grocery Kart and Dollar General and on Saturday from 10 am – 12pm and 12 – 3 pm throughout December at all three bell ringer locations. Volunteers who will ring bells can sign up at registertoring.com or can call Jessica Manion at First National Bank (FNBO) at 308-763-2167 to volunteer.
This year the Salvation Army is implementing protocols to ensure the health and safety of Bell Ringers and store patrons. They ask that all volunteers please wear a mask and follow CDC and local guidelines related to exposure. Do not ring bells if exhibiting symptoms or if you have had any known exposure to anyone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days. As an individual approaches the kettle, please maintain social distancing. All kettle equipment will be cleaned prior to each shift and in accordance with guidelines.
Since people are visiting stores less due to COVID, there are other ways they can donate. Give by dropping off a donation to The Salvation Army at FNBO in Alliance, or donate online at registertoring.com and clicking Donate Now. Just like red kettle donations, these donations stay local.
The Salvation Army is a Christian church and an international charitable organization, founded in 1865 in London. The organization is active in 131 countries. Its founders sought to bring salvation to the poor, destitute, and hungry by meeting both their "physical and spiritual needs”. In the United States the organization runs thrift stores and provides economic assistance to those in need, especially after disasters or after homes have been destroyed.
As you are out and about in December, remember to drop those coins and bills in the red kettles at Grocery Kart, Dollar General, Carter’s, J&J, and Git ’N Split. The Salvation Army Kettle Campaign continues to be a part of our Christmas traditions in Box Butte County, and our donations are appreciated by so many!