As the holiday season approaches, the Salvation Army is gearing up for its annual red kettle bell-ringing fundraising program, which is set to begin Friday, Nov. 20.
The Salvation Army Service Unit of Texas County will use funds raised in the campaign to provide emergency assistance to needy people in the county.
“We have been working all year long to make sure Texas County residents don’t face a crisis or emergency alone,” said county Salvation Army director Bennie Cook. “Providing assistance at the greatest point of need, the Service Unit offers lodging, transportation, clothing, furniture, groceries, healthcare, school supplies and other aid to residents of our community.”
Statewide Salvation Army services include utility assistance, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, correctional services and homeless shelters.
Cook said this year’s goal is to raise $27,500 locally, and that 85 percent of funds raised will stay in Texas County.
“This holiday season, when you hear the ringing of a Salvation Army bell and see the red kettle, please offer your support,” he said. “We need your help even more this year as funding cuts take effect and even more people come to us with emergency needs.”
Cook said “table-top” kettles would be placed this year in some businesses across Texas County, and that volunteers are needed to ring the bell next to red kettles at Town and County Supermarket and Shetler’s in Cabool, Walmart, Forbes Pharmacy and Town and Country Supermarket in Houston, Town and Country Supermarket in Licking and Walt’s convenience store in Roby.
Anyone interested in ringing the bell at a red kettle can sign up by calling Texas County Food Pantry at 417-967-4484.