Rings, silver dollars and more donated to Salvation Army

“This year is more challenging to secure necessary available funds to help supply basic needs for our neighbors”, said Bill Goodwill, Genesee County Business Manager.

Outside of the fundraising concerns, Burry noted it has been a record breaking year for numerous events that support The Salvation Army and it will also be a record breaking year for the number of people we are helping just this Christmas season. The caller said she left a special gift inside a red kettle bucket at a Southwest Miami-Dade Winn-Dixie.

Svenson says that on Thursday local business leaders and city council members will volunteer their time on the red kettle as part of the Chamber of Commerce’s annual bell ringing competition.

“It’s nice because when you’re struggling or when you have a new member of the family and can’t work as much, it’s nice to have the Salvation Army here to help”.

The goal is to raise $80,000 through the Red Kettle Campaign. Registrations for food hampers and assistance are already up from 2014 and the Army expects to service 375 to 400 families who won’t have a Christmas meal or toys for their children this year without help.

The Salvation Army believes all 95 silver dollar coins were donated by the same woman.

Meanwhile, organizers said the Angel Tree program has been a success.

During this season, the Salvation Army has raised $179,000 as of Friday.

On Tuesday, a set of wedding rings were dropped off at a kettle outside the Market Basket on South Main Street in Middleton.

“I’m just thankful for this and thankful that the Lord let this happen”, said Poole.

Red Kettle donations will be used to provide clothing, food and holiday gifts to South Floridians in need.

“All across the board we have seen a rise in the number of people coming to The Salvation Army for help”, said Capt. Steven Wilson.