News : Just Like Ever Other Year, We Say Thank You Benton County!

Pictured: Santa showed up to ring the bell at Fareway this season, as he often does. Joining in the Red Kettle Fundraising for the Salvation Army of Benton County, were Greg Walston and Fareway leaders who stopped by.

I say and write it every year. Thank you.

Try saying the same sentiment annually, to the same folks, for the last 5 or so years. How can I do it differently? It's supposed to be fresh and exciting, right? However, much gratitude is best simply stated.

We are grateful for the willingness of the people in this county to support our local Salvation Army Service Extension Unit. You are appreciated.

Just The Facts- It was another year of success !

Due to all of you, we met our goal by raising $22,337 for the 2025 Red Kettle Campaign. The bell was rung for 27 days. Around 292 volunteers rang for approximately 287 hours.

In 2025, we assisted around 110 different families. As is always reported, 90% of this donated money stays in Benton County. It is used to assist folks in time of urgent need for things like rent, utilities, gasoline, repairs, etc.

It takes community involvement to operate the Red Kettle Campaign. Benton County has always been generous to those in need. It reminds us of what Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, “When you have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, you have done it unto Me.”

Winners of Gift Cards 2025 - Red Kettle Campaign

Free Pizza Ranch Buffet

Ivy Newbrough

Daniel Limesand

Free six-inch Subway sandwich

Isla Newbrough

Christy Greaser

Myla Mefford

Jax Elwick

Didrik Lundvedt

Wayne Reynolds

LaGrange Pharmacy $25 gift card

Halane Cummings

Theisen's $20 gift card 

Samantha

Lee Schwenker

Alan Clayton

Kwik Star $25 gift card

Evelyn Schroeder

Koop's Free oil change

Mike Sholl

A Sense of Community

Thanks to our local Lion's Club, Kiwanis and Knights of Columbus groups that take a full day to ring. That's also true for area churches that take a full day or days to ring- Wesley United Methodist, Blessed Hope and Bethlehem Lutheran. The Youth Groups of Vinton Presbyterian and First Christian Churches in Vinton took their turn to ring with enthusiasm! The After School Program at Harvest 365 rang too.

As usual, ARC annd REM sent their groups to ring as part of this community despite the cold weather at times. There were four 4H-groups North Eden Blue Racers, Polk 101, Benton/Vinton Clover Buds, Shellsburg/Urbana Clover Buds that rang. Johnson Realty, Eden Mutual, Wilson-Hite Insurance, Farmers Savings Bank and Casey's all rang for part of a day. If I am forgetting someone or group, forgive me please!

Greg Walston and Mike Sholl, greeted the little ones in their red Sant suits. The ladies from Farm Bureau again dressed up and bought some smiles. Two retired teachers sang carols acappella.

We could not do it without Fareway Inc. and Manager Dave Kelchen for letting us set up to ring at their storefront. The Fareway employees always ring on Dec 24th That is a big help as that is a hard day to fill otherwise. Thank you Fareway !

Giving Can Be Year Round!

If you want to mail in your donation, make check payable to:

“Benton County Salvation Army”

Salvation Army, Benton County Service Extension,

1201 C. Ave.

Vinton, IA 52349.

Here's a hyperlink https://donate.salarmywestern.org/give/451439/#!/donation/checkout