Salvation Army Still Taking Donations for Holiday Season

“Get to help people out, and get a break from class?”

“It definitely beats sitting in a classroom”, Rossiter said. “We will be ringing until Christmas Eve”, explained Correira.

The Salvation Army operates 7,546 centers in communities across the country, including food distribution, disaster relief, rehabilitation centers and children’s programs.

“The Raceway and the Western Fair District have strong ties to our community and this time of year helping the Salvation Army is a great way to help those who need it most right here in our backyard”, said The Raceway’s Marketing Co-ordinator Sarah Imrie. Families also received a food voucher for a Christmas meal. The Christmas Cheer program provides toys to more than 3,600 children in Lee county.

The funds raised in the Red Kettle Campaign help support the work of The Salvation Army all year long, and this year, there has been a significant increase in the number of households seeking assistance.

“But we can not do what we do without the communities financial support”.

Sheena Swinney was one of a large group of parents and grandparents gathered outside in the Salvation Army hallway ready to go toy shopping. If you want to donate, please bring an unwrapped gift to Metrocenter Mall near the old Sears from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

“We will have over 300 birds – turkeys, and we’ll have hams”, said Rosette. “We are going to be able to take this and help so many people throughout the year because of her generosity”.

As for Rossiter and the other student volunteers, they were still standing out in the cold, bundled up in winter coats, as the cars kept coming.

“Every little bit helps, and the gold coin is more than just a little bit”, Burchett said.