Salvation Army Drive to benefit charity

Courtesy story

editor@leaderadvertiser.com

LAKE COUNTY – This Christmas Season, when you shop at Super One Foods, Wal Mart, Ronan Harvest Foods, and Pablo IGA, you will see volunteers from the Polson Ministerial Association and various community organizations ringing the bell for the Annual Salvation Army Kettle Drive.

Over the past several years, the Salvation Army has partnered with the Helping Hands Fund, a project of the Polson Ministerial Association, by providing vouchers for those who have emergency needs.  The Helping Hands Fund serves individuals with: food, lodging, rent, utilities, propane/fuel oil, bus tickets, gas, personal care items and meals. The Polson and Ronan Police (issue vouchers when Helping Hands Fund is not open) and Safe Harbor also benefit.

In the past, Bell Ringers were paid, which was not found to be profitable. Salvation Army vouchers, available through the Helping Hands Fund, are a direct result of donations raised by the Kettle Campaign. The individuals you see ringing the bells Nov. 28 though Dec. 24 are volunteering their time.

Ninety percent of all funds raised during the Christmas Kettle Drive stay in Lake County.

Last year a “traveling” trophy was awarded to Polson Community Church for raising the most money on behalf of the Helping Hands Fund. Churches and organizations will be vying again this year for the honor.  

So when you see and hear a Bell Ringer, please put whatever you can afford into the Kettle to help us raise the additional funds necessary to sustain our help to the needy throughout the coming year. If you wish to volunteer for this year’s Kettle Drive and live in Polson, please call 883-5908 or if you live in Ronan/Pablo 239-6909.