Salvation Army needs to ring some bells

During these tough economic times, every dollar raised from the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle bell-ringing program goes to help local families in need.

The Red Kettle program has been around for almost 120 years. Kettles will be in front of Maricopa stores this holiday season, but the Salvation Army needs people to ring those bells. Even pocket change can help make a difference for a local child or family.

Maricopa’s Salvation Army, headed by Amy Cole, is an extension service manned by volunteers who sign up families for food boxes and children for holiday gifts.

“This year we have more than 158 families, and we’ve never had more than 87,” said Cole. “And I’m expecting 500-600 children for angel tree gifts.” In Maricopa the Angel Program focuses on children age 12 and younger. “We especially need people to take the older kids, who like soccer balls or basketballs, radios or CD players,” Cole added.

Groups like Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort and Casino, the Fiesta Grande RV park in Casa Grande and the Maricopa Rotary Club have adopted angels in the past, but this year that will not be nearly enough help with a depressed economy and jobs in short supply.

Each family is required to provide proof of income and residency, as well as birth certificates for the children, in order to be considered for the program. The Salvation Army inputs that information at the Phoenix central office so families are not able to receive help from multiple agencies.

These families need food, clothes and toys. However, the local Salvation Army is not taking clothes or furniture donations at this time due to lack of storage.

“We need basic necessities like toothpaste, toothbrushes, bar soap, shampoo, deodorant and diapers,” explained Cole.

She added that businesses, clubs or organizations willing to provide monetary help should make a check out to the Maricopa Salvation Army and mail it to Amy Cole, 45002 W. Fred Cole Lane, Maricopa, AZ 85139. Cole is willing to pick up donations and will provide a receipt for them.

“It breaks my heart if I can’t provide something for every child,” Cole said.

Those who would like to help with donations of money or needed items, or could ring those bells during the holidays, should contact Cole at 520-510-9384 evenings and weekends or leave a message.

File photo