Reaching into our files we found a photo of the late Richard “Dick” Parker volunteering as a Salvation Army Red Kettle bell ringer. Parker’s smile lit up any room—or space—he was in. More volunteers are needed this year to attend to a Salvation Amy Red Kettle. File photo
The Cook County, Salvation Army Unit, needs some kind folks to volunteer to ring bells for the upcoming Red Kettle Campaign.
Donations collected in the Red Kettles assist local people in crisis to help meet their needs for utilities, housing, food, clothing, medical and transportation.
Of the money donated, 90 percent is designated for countywide needs. The additional 10 percent goes to the Northeast District of the Salvation Army for administrative costs. Any money left at the end of the year can be used for one-time special projects to assist schools, food shelves or other entities.
In 2018, $4,800 was distributed to people facing a crisis in Cook County.
“We are generally the last place to call for needs except under unusual circumstances as other agencies can provide help,” said volunteer Evalyn Carlson.
Red Kettles will be located at various stores and business throughout the County. Some places will feature singers and people playing instruments as part of their Red Kettle volunteer work.
But you don’t have to sing or play an instrument to be a bell ringer. If you have time to lend and a smile to share, volunteer to be a bell ringer this holiday season.
If you are interested, please call Sharon Bloomquist 387-1714 to pick a time slot. This is a great way to meet people, make new friends, and provide help to those most in need.
Salvation Army
William Booth founded the Salvation Army in 185 in East London. Booth, an evangelist, wanted to offer practical help to the poor and destitute in addition to his preaching the gospel to them. Today there are about 600 Salvation Army centers that provide aid in 5000 communities throughout the U.S. Worldwide, the Salvation Army has a presence in 127 counties.
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