http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/salvation-army-begins-its-annual-christmas-campaign-help-those-need_25416.mp3
You’ve probably already seen bellringers standing next to red kettles outside businesses across the Ozarks. Audrey Esther is community relations director for the Salvation Army.
“This year, we’ve expanded our red kettle Christmas campaign. We have locations across the Ozarks in Greene, Christian, Taney and Stone counties. We have looked at the figures and it looks like we’ll need nearly 1,000 volunteers. Specifically, for bell ringing, we’ll need people to bell ring for approximately 25,000 hours.”
Bell ringers will be in full force through December 24th. Another Salvation Army program, Angel Tree, also got underway recently. Audrey Esther explains how people can support the Angel Tree project.
“They can go to any Walmart or Kmart in Greene or Christian County. There will be a tree display there. They pick up a tag, and can purchase as many gifts as they want from that tag or just one. They drop it in the Salvation Army barrel before they leave. Those toys will go to children here in the Ozarks. Last year, we handed nearly 15,000 toys. We really take into account that these families are coming to us for help. So, we try to provide them with nice and new stuff. It’s a simple way to help.”
Families interested in receiving help through one of the Salvation Army Christmas programs can sign up December 5th thru the 16th. The Salvation Army asks that applicants bring several documents with them when they come to sign up. For complete details about receiving assistance or volunteering to ring bells, call the Salvation Army at 862-5509.
Additional information on the Salvation Army's Tree of Lights campaign.