Hundreds of local volunteers help the Salvation Army in the annual “red kettle fund drive,” a major fund-raiser that helps the Army operate in this holiday season and throughout the year.
There are 24 “kettle days” that run from the Friday after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve, explained Goshen’s Maj. Jason Pollom. This year’s fund-raising goal in Goshen is $30,000. That money will help pay for the “adopt a family” packages to 200 to 205 families. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Army had distributed food to more than 200 families. Toys were distributed to children Wednesday.
He said the collection hours at the eight kettles around Goshen was generally from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The campaign is set to run until 2 p.m. today.
Maj. Steve Woodare, at the Elkhart Salvation Army, said Tuesday his collections were running 20 to 30 percent behind the need, as the agency is helping more people than usual this season. He said collections were set to end in Elkhart at 3 p.m. today.
This week The News spoke with some of the volunteer bell-ringers in Goshen and Dunlap about why they were helping the Salvation Army. Their responses follow.
Rodd Lehman, Goshen — “Our Jefferson fire and EMS service worked Monday and Tuesday at Walmart. We are volunteers in the department and did this as a service to the community. This was our first time, but we will probably do it every year.”
Rebekah Bontrager, Goshen —“I helped my grandmother, Marlene Reynolds, who has rang bells several times. It was sure cold out.”
Jeff Finn, Elkhart — “I am doing it to give something to the community. It is my first time. I am here (at Hobby Lobby) about four nights a week. I do it to have something to do. I have been out of work since spring. I appreciate the fact that the Salvation Army helps people with basic needs.”
Norm Gersitz, Goshen — “We are giving back to the community. A lot of people are out of work. It was a busy night Monday with more shoppers here at Walmart than tonight. I think 50 to 70 percent of people put money in.”
Mick Luce, Goshen — “This is the first time Jefferson firefighters did this, but it won’t be our last. It is a great thing for anybody to do. We were out here last night, too. It is for people in need.”
Marty Lowe, Goshen — “There were 10 of us Jefferson firefighters here over the two days. Norm suggested it at a monthly meeting and we just planned to do it, went to Goshen and got on the schedule. We’ll probably do it again.”
Local News
Volunteers ring in the change for Salvation Army
- Local News
-
-
UPDATE: Goshen's Barrett Younghans recovering from heart transplant surgery
It was two days before Valentine’s Day when a Goshen teen-ager received a gift of a much-needed human heart.
-
Northridge students headed to state Science Olympiad contest
Heading to state? These students have it down to a science.
-
Amish-owned food markets seeing growth
Martin Schmucker is sitting on a brown plaid sofa at the front of his store, occasionally stroking his long, gray beard as he tells a story about a supplier from out of state.
-
IU Goshen Health names new CEO
Randy Christophel has been appointed the new chief executive officer for Indiana University Health Goshen.
-
Love still alive 50 years later
Even after 50 years of marriage, Goshen’s Ronald Nelson knows how to surprise his wife.
-
Church members building homes in Haiti
It’s been more than two years since a massive earthquake rocked the small island nation of Haiti. Recovery is far from complete, but with the help of a church in Waterford, it is getting closer.
-
After two-year wait, Goshen teen receives heart transplant
A phone call around 5:15 a.m. Sunday morning ended a two-year wait for a new heart for Goshen’s Barrett Younghans, 19.
-
Coat for a coat: Company gives back
Fifty Goshen girls have new coats today thanks to a new business.
-
Snyders enjoy a lifetime together
Shirley and Terry Snyder both grew up in Goshen and attended Goshen High School at the same time. Shirley, whose maiden name was Snook, said she was assigned a seat between Terry and his twin brother, Jerry, for all four years in the assembly class.
-
Young scientists compete in Olympic-style event at Goshen College Saturday
Science took center stage in Goshen Saturday morning as 13 area Science Olympiad teams converged on a snow-dusted Goshen College campus to participate in the 2012 Science Olympiad Regional Tournament.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Bacteria Keep Swimmers Off Some Fla. Beaches
Police: Houston Found Under Water, Unconscious
Sandusky Can See Grandkids, Have Local Jury
Obama Unveils $3.8 Trillion Budget
Raw Video: Israeli Embassy Car Attacked
Coroner: Don't Know Houston's Cause of Death Yet
Valentine Greetings Sent Worldwide From Loveland
Greek Austerity Measures Spark Riots
Raw Video: Obama Budget Goes to Capitol Hill
Arab League Wants U.N. Help in Syria
Nordic Festival Puts North Korea in Spotlight
'Rumor Has It' Adele's Rolling in the Grammys
Grohl, Grammy Nominees Cut Up on the Red Carpet
Greece Passes New Austerity Deal Amid Rioting
Raw Video: Greek Rioting Ahead of Austerity Vote
Raw Video: Child Rescued After Kosovo Avalanche
Pop Music Superstar Whitney Houston Dies at 48
Whitney Houston's Church Mourns Her Passing
Reaction to Houston's Death at Clive Davis Party
79 Turtles Seized at Shanghai Airport
