Bells will be ringing…

Since there are really only two seasons for the Salvation Army, Christmas and NOT Christmas, it seems time to give you a preview of what’s to come for our 2009 Tree of Lights campaign. This is going to be a tough season.

We’re already experiencing a nearly 20% increase in requests for assistance for housing and food and the holiday season hasn’t begun.

 

We spoke with WTHR 13′s Angela Cain on Red Shield Radio this week. We have the priviledge of working with both Angela and with Bob Gregory on the Coats for Kids donation drive each Fall. And we agreed, with more parents struggling to keep and find jobs, the lines will be long at coat distribution day. If you’d like to make sure at least one child has a warm coat this winter, go here to learn more about Coats for Kids. We’re accepting donations now through October 5.

Right after Coats for Kids, we’ll kick off our Christmas season at our Tree of Lights Kick-off right here on the lawn of our headquarters on November 19. Our goal is $3 million this year and we’ll need everyone to dig deep and find it in their hearts and wallets to help those who are struggling to provide shelter and necessities for their families. The next day, we’ll begin the bellringing season at Celebrity Bell Ringing on Monument Circle. This is a perfect time to meet a favorite local celebrity and spare a few coins.

Then Radiothon is just around the corner on December 11-13. Join our 2008/2009 Radiothon Chair, Quinn Buckner of the Indiana Pacers as we support our programs for men, women and children right here in our city! We have opportunities for  hourly sponsors and volunteers to work in the phone bank. It’s a 55-hour Marathon of Giving, and our biggest fundraising event of the year.

And immediately following Radiothon is our Toy Shop at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. This is the week that all the toys from our seasonal toy drive will be distributed to families in need. To learn more about participating as a collection site, a set-up volunteer or as an event day volunteer, go here.

We can’t meet this kind of need without our volunteers. If you’re interested in ringing a bell, hosting a coat or toy collection drive, or participating in Radiothon, there are lots of ways to give of your dollars and your time. Please give Elizabeth a call at 224-1010.