Red Kettle campaign returns to rousing success

Posted 1/5/23

The Salvation Army Mineola Service Unit was back in business this Christmas season after a one-year absence.

More than 40 volunteers donned red aprons and rang bells in two-hour shifts. Some rang …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Red Kettle campaign returns to rousing success

Posted

The Salvation Army Mineola Service Unit was back in business this Christmas season after a one-year absence.

More than 40 volunteers donned red aprons and rang bells in two-hour shifts. Some rang in pairs and some rang alone.

Mineola Kiwanis, Rotary, Lion’s Club and other community-minded individuals contributed time to make this year’s bell-ringing program a success.

All totaled, volunteers braved less-than-ideal weather to ring bells at Brookshire’s and at both entrances to Walmart for over 32 hours.

The hope is to expand the schedule next year to more days as more volunteers learn of the return of bell ringing to Mineola and the benefit the resources provide to those in the area.

Special thanks to everyone who rang bells this year and to all the citizens who contributed to the campaign. 

Despite the cold and sometimes wet weather, plus the effects of inflation on people’s pocket books this year, the Red Kettle program received well over $6,000 in donations. These funds are in addition to a reserve fund the Mineola Service Unit has on hand ready to meet community needs.

Funds donated to the Mineola Red Kettles remain 100% in Mineola to assist families and individuals throughout the coming year. Funds are used to meet specific needs within the community such as to assist with a utility bill, a rent or mortgage payment or other such expense that will help a recipient weather an unforeseen financial challenge. In addition, funds can be used on a broader scale to render assistance in case of a natural or man-made disaster. 

Within Mineola, the Salvation Army plans to work through established organizations such as Kindness Kottage and others to connect with those in need of assistance.