Donations to Salvation Army kettle drive are down as
organization keeps the faith
The ringing of the Salvation Army bells is a sound of the
holiday season. The emptiness in those kettles locally is a sign of
the times.
”
We’re feeling the effects of the economy,
”
said Major Sam Rodriguez, who is in charge of the organization’s
local branch.
”
We’re not getting the response or support we’ve had in the past.
Last year was down, but it seems to be less this year than
last.
”
Donations to Salvation Army kettle drive are down as organization keeps the faith
The ringing of the Salvation Army bells is a sound of the holiday season. The emptiness in those kettles locally is a sign of the times.
“We’re feeling the effects of the economy,” said Major Sam Rodriguez, who is in charge of the organization’s local branch. “We’re not getting the response or support we’ve had in the past. Last year was down, but it seems to be less this year than last.”
Still, he remains hopeful as the Salvation Army works to fulfill its pledge to provide approximately 450 needy families with a Christmas basket stocked with food and toys.
Bell ringers began the annual fundraising drive in front of stores on Nov. 22, though not all scheduled locations have been covered every day because of a lack of response, volunteers, or both.
“It has been hard,” Rodriguez said. “The people we’ve hired for some locations are there two or three hours and then call us to pick them up because they don’t want us to lose money. People get tired of giving every day. This is the hardest week. The first week is good and the last week (right before Christmas) is usually the best.”
This week, the Salvation Army headquarters on Buena Vista Road took sign-ups from locals hoping to receive a Christmas basket for their families through the “Toy and Joy Campaign.” Nearly 300 people lined up on Monday and others signed up Tuesday and Wednesday.
Through the program, families will receive food as well as toys for children ages 12 and under. Senior citizens, single parents and homeless people can also receive food. No one is turned away, Rodriguez said.
“We’re doing what we can and are hoping for the best,” he said.
All money collected through the kettle campaign is spent on food that is distributed to about 100 families every Thursday throughout the year or anyone who is needy whenever they show up.
“That’s the biggest need in our community due to seasonal work,” Rodriguez said. “People go through hard times, and the Salvation Army provides services based on that need.”
Donated clothes are also put out on food distribution days to help people who need them.
While the holiday drive is the most well-known aspect of the Salvation Army’s services, Rodriguez said many locals are “wonderful people who donate throughout the year.
“They support the Salvation Army not only at the holidays but quarterly or two or three times a year, sending in their donations faithfully.”
This Friday from noon to 8 p.m., the Salvation Army will benefit from donations at the Share Your Holiday food and toy drive at Fire Station No. 2 at the intersection of Union Road and Airline Highway.
Hollister firefighters will help collect the toys and separate them for eventual donation to needy families through the Salvation Army.
“They are a great support and are big player in our campaign,” Rodriguez said. “We’re just mediators. As people donate, we provide to the families.”
How you can help
In addition to providing monetary donations, people can volunteer as kettle bell ringers or can help with the toy and food drive at the fire station. For more information, call 636-9832 or visit the Salvation Army location at 910 Buena Vista Rd. in Hollister.
News to You
Donations to the Salvation Army kettle drive are down so far this season, as the local branch of the organization works to provide Christmas baskets for up to 450 families. A toy and food drive will be held this Friday at Hollister Fire Station No. 2 to benefit the effort.
