News : Red kettles return: Salvation Army accepting donations at Vinton area businesses

Rev. Bob Gaston, right, and a Salvation Army volunteer ring bells at Fareway Wednesday morning.

A familiar Christmas sight and sound has returned to Vinton.

The bell ringers and red kettles of the Salvation Army have been put in place to help raise funds for the organization.

Rev. Bob Gaston of Harvest Christian Fellowship has long been involved in the Salvation Army in Bremer County. He hopes to see the organization renew its outreach in Benton County.

“We will have the larger kettles and bell-ringers at Fareway, Alco and John’s Quik Stop, and the smaller kettles in other area businesses.

Rev. Gaston said the Vinton Area Ministerial Association (VAMA) has done a good job of helping families in need or in transition. Yet, he said, the Salvation Army can offer a broader range of services to those needing a hand out and a hand up.

Those interested in volunteering as bell-ringers are invited to contact Rev. Gaston, at 319-939-1635 or by email at pastor.bobgaston@gmail.com