Salvation Army red kettles brim with sparkling donations

“It’s going to be a great, great time to get together and be able to fellowship with these children and their families”.

“Knowing the people who apply, come distribution day there are lots of happy tears, especially when you’re walking out with someone and their toys for Christmas”.

“Too see a smile on a child’s face”, Merlin said.

Each tag has a child’s age, sex and a few gift ideas, from there it’s free range, Homa said.

The Arlington High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) will be ringing bells in Arlington to do its part to support the Salvation Army’s 2016 Red Kettle Campaign.

Both programs help with the needy during the holiday season.

“What I think we are seeing is a marvelous gift that became a trend and has now become a Christmas tradition”, Hartshorn said in a statement. Once again this year, you have the opportunity to join The Salvation Army and ABC Columbia in participating in the Angel Tree Program. “Or the ones (tags) where it was clear the family was struggling with poverty as the gift requests included blankets or diapers”. The Salvation Army is hoping the remaining 611 angels will be adopted by Saturday. Recently, The Salvation Army auctioned off 60 pieces of jewelry donated over the past two years, raising almost $27,000. The people that are listening to us now, they have to realize that it does make a difference.

Donating at a kettle location in Genesee County is not the only way to volunteer.

Ms Vanheck said the kids have been excitedly watching their donations increase leading up to Christmas.

And something magical happens on those Distribution Days – volunteers and U.S. Marines transform the old warehouse into a attractive, festive place filled with Christmas decorations and holiday cheer.

“We are starting a little bit slow”, said Major Brian Burkett, the Core Officer of the Topeka Salvation Army.

This year’s distribution is at the Sullivan Arena from December 13-14.

“It’s just synonymous with Christmas”, said Florence resident Sally Bentner, who paused Tuesday outside Hobby Lobby to let her 3-year-old son drop money in the kettle.

“This really works well”, Merlin said.