Salvation Army success

From the Friday after Thanksgiving to the day before Christmas, volunteers braved the cold and sometimes inclement weather, standing in the entry ways of Ronan Harvest Foods, Super One Foods, and Wal-Mart to ring the bell for the Salvation Army Kettle Drive. Proceeds from the Kettle Drive went to the Helping Hands Fund voucher program, Safe Harbor for lodging, and to the Polson and Ronan Police Departments, who write vouchers when the Helping Hands Fund office is closed. 90% of the funds raised stay in Lake County to help provide food, shelter, gas, utilities, medications, bus tickets, lodging and meals to the needy. In addition, individuals are also helped with more long-term resources.

This proved to be the most successful bell- ringing season yet. The 2012 Kettle Drive produced a total of $13,220.00. Polson Community Church was the winner of the Polson Ministerial Association’s coveted “Bell Trophy,” raising $ 2775.00. It should also be noted that Safe Harbor collected $649.00 at Ronan Harvest Foods, the most money raised in one day.

Thank you to all those who so generously contributed their time to ring the bell and to the Polson Community for your generosity in helping to fill the Kettles! They were so full some days that the Teller at the bank had to bring her ironing board and iron in to flatten out the bills before they could be counted….a good problem!

Linda Greenwood

Polson