Salvation Army 'dedicated to doing the most good' for Michigan families
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STURGIS — With the slogan “dedicated to doing the most good,” The Salvation Army supports Michigan families during the holiday season and beyond.
The nonprofit puts presents under the trees of those in need at Christmastime, and they’ll put a roof over someone’s head tomorrow.
And it’s all done with the help of those who give.
First, there’s the Red Kettle Campaign. During the holiday season, volunteers brave the cold to ring bells outside shopping centers and the like. Passersby contribute to the pot.
In Sturgis, which serves St. Joseph County and Branch County, Major Tim Sell said the campaign has brought in less money since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, bell ringing brought in $46,000 at the site, compared to $23,000 in 2021.
Sell said the organization's Sturgis branch hoped to bring in $70,000 with its bell ringing campaign this holiday season. The total holiday season goal was $300,000.
“We want to get beyond just the basics and reach out to areas where we anticipate the need might even continue, given the nation’s current economy,” he said. “We definitely need a good Christmas, so we can continue to move forward next year and not have to worry about what we can't do.”
Major Sally Sell heads Angel Tree in Sturgis. Once a child is registered and accepted as an "angel," their Christmas wishlist is shared with donors throughout the community. Gifts are distributed to participating families to place under their tree.
There's also toy distribution shops, where families can come pick out gifts for their children.
“It gives the parents a little bit of ownership,” Sally said.
Just in St. Joseph County and Branch County, 567 children were served this holiday season. Those numbers are up from last year, Tim said.
In fact, needs are up in all areas, considering the state of the economy.
“This inflation is really hitting a lot of families hard,” Tim said. “The good news is, those who can donate have donated well. We just need to see that trend continue so we can continue to meet the needs as people are coming to us.”
The Salvation Army is active in "virtually every corner of the world" and serves in 131 countries, according to its website. To donate, visit salvationarmyusa.org.
— Michelle Patrick is a former reporter for The Sturgis Journal.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Salvation Army 'dedicated to doing the most good' for Michigan families
