News : Salvation Army Bell Ringing under way; volunteers needed

Mary Brooks, a regular volunteer bell ringer, joined by another volunteer who played Christmas music

The Salvation Army Bell Ringing began for the season on ovember 23 at the Fareway in Vinton. The bell ringers will be present store hours – from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day through Christmas, ending December 26.

Last year, the Salvation Army kettle in Vinton collected $15,003.00. Of that, 70% of the money stays local for direct aid. The other 30% goes to help fund and support regional and national efforts. The year prior raised over $10,000.00.

“There was an award to the community for the efforts in raising the amount of money we did. We were seventh in the top ten small communities in this district,” said Gaston. Vinton is part of a district that encompasses 72 counties and 151 service units in eastern Iowa and central Illinois.

Salvation Army funds raised from bell ringing in the community has become an important part of the outreach done by the Vinton Area Ministerial Association in the past few years. The money provides funding for a variety of outreach support.

Monies received that stay local go to help do direct support for people in need of emergency assistance. Individuals receive one-time assistance in a variety of areas. Some people need gas assistance while others may need temporary housing or food.

“There’s so much. It’s amazing what happens to affect people’s lives when this community comes together,” said Bob Gaston, pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship.

This year there will be some expansion into other towns in Benton County. Salvation Army designates funds by county, not by town, so this expansion will allow other towns to share in helping support people in the county. Seventy percent of money given in a kettle in Benton County stays in Benton County.

“There are some examples of assistance that show this really makes a difference for people. We’re talking about people’s lives being effected by helping them not lose their home. So many examples of maintaining services – utilities – rental assistance, auto repair to get people to jobs, food assistance, gasoline assistance,” said Gaston. “Especially getting kids to doctors’ appointments. A lot of what we are talking about is as much about children – even more about children – than adults. Keeping them warm. Keeping their water running. Helping with furnace repairs, beds, clothes.”

Another part of the Salvation Army/Ministerial Association support is assisting people with various transitions. Often it means purchasing work clothes and work boots as people return to the work force after finding employment.

“It’s really tangible. Meaningful. Food stamps can’t help things like this. Other agencies can’t help where this fits in,” said Robert Parker, who is heading the Salvation Army program this year on behalf of Harvest Christian Fellowship.

“We fill in where social services can’t, and aren’t, able to,” said Gaston. “Social service agencies are referring people to us who they are not able to assist. We just went and got beds and clothing and household items that we were able to give out to some people. Salvation Army funds paid for the trailer and gas to transport the items. Then we found volunteers to help do the loading and moving.”

Many volunteers are needed to help make the program a success. Individuals and groups that are interested in volunteering can contact Robert Parker at (319) 472-5352 or email him at parker.robert5239@yahoo.com.

This year there is an opportunity for online giving as well. It is easy to access off the home page of the Salvation Army at: https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/ Simply fill in the information to give to the local community.