Doing the Most Good: Salvation Army Bell Ringers
The Salvation Army bell ringing has started in Du Quoin. Last weekend volunteers at kettles at Wal-Mart and Kroger collected $1,158. The Du Quoin Ministerial Alliance schedules volunteers and takes care of putting out and picking up the kettles each year. Volunteers will be at both locations on the next four Fridays and Saturdays between now and Christmas.
The money that is raised for Salvation Army is used for local services in our community to support those in need at Christmas and throughout the year. The Salvation Army helps nearly 30 million Americans each year through a broad array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, opportunities for underprivileged children. 82% of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide.
The International Mission Statement of the Salvation Army is, "The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination."
Rev. Donna Blythe from Sunfield United Methodist Church, helped ring the bells this past weekend and said that the response from shoppers was wonderful to witness. "The toddlers and small children who put in dollar bills and handfuls of change were a joy to watch. It was encouraging to see so many families teaching their children the importance of sharing with those in need. It was very rewarding to be able to explain to questioning three-year-olds that the coins they put in the red kettle go to help other children have a warm, safe and happy Christmas."
Pastor Tim Scroggins from First Presbyterian Church in Du Quoin is coordinating volunteers for the bell ringing and more volunteers are needed for the coming weeks. Persons interested in volunteering an hour or more of their time can contact Pastor Tim at 618-542-3436 or 618-724-2822. It is a great opportunity to have your family help others this Christmas. Volunteers are essential to raising the funds needed to help those in Du Quoin throughout the year. $5,200 was raised locally last year. Please help the Ministerial Alliance to raise that much or more this year.