Du Quoin Pastor Champions Salvation Army Bell-Ringing
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Each year at this time, the Salvation Army rings the bell in area stores inviting people to donate money toward the ministry of helping those who are in need. In Du Quoin, we have a satellite service of the Salvation Army, located at St. John's United Church of Christ, 20 South Hickory Street. Hours of operation are 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday.
According to Rev. Rich Luh, "We help those who have received shut-off notices for utilities or eviction notices for their place of residence. We also help with clothing vouchers for the Thrift Store. These services are for a one-time assistance in a 12-month period of time- only. We try to work with the individuals or families to assess their needs and try to work with the utility companies and landlords to work out a satisfactory arrangement of payment.
"Our bell-ringing at Kroger and Wal-Mart during the holiday season, sponsored through the Du Quoin Area Ministerial Alliance, raises monies which are all poured back into our community-specifically for this Salvation Army Service Unit to use during the next year. Last year, your generosity realized a total of over $5,000, which was a record amount.
"Churches coming on board thus far this year to help out are: First Presbyterian, First United Methodist, First Baptist, Second Baptist, Liberty Church, Bethel Lutheran, Sunfield United Methodist, Spirit of Life, Sacred Heart Roman Catholic and St. John's United Church of Christ.
"Now we have a number of hours still available for groups, organizations or individuals to get involved:
Saturday, Dec. 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kroger and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Wal-Mart
Saturday, Dec. 11 from 8 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. at Wal-Mart
Friday, Dec. 17 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Kroger
Saturday, Dec. 18 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kroger and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Wal-Mart.
If you are interested in helping out, call at 542-03431 ASAP. Every little bit helps- even if you can only "ring the bell" for an hour- all efforts will be greatly appreciated.