‘Tis the season for bell ringing

With the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, it is somehow easy to overlook the big red kettles and the seasonal bells chiming outside of many stores.

The reasons for the bells? To reach more than 600 families in need in Jasper County.

The Jasper County Salvation Army is aiming to raise $35,500 during the months of November and December just from the kettles campaign alone. The money goes toward maintaining programs throughout the year.

In 2015, bell ringers raised $34,984. Major Mikey Carter is hopeful the generosity will resume this holiday season.

Bell ringers began fundraising Nov. 18, and they will continue through the end of December. Volunteers are still needed to ring bells at Hy-Vee, Fareway, Farver True Value and Theisen’s.

The Salvation Army will assist 246 households with Thanksgiving and Christmas food donations this year, which is 660 individuals. Food donations will be used for holiday food baskets.

In addition, 72 households, which is 196 children, are signed up to receive donated Christmas toys through the Angel Tree program.

Carter said most residents who are requesting assistance are not families who have recently moved to the area but are residents who may be facing unexpected hardships, such as, sudden medical expenses or unemployment.

“They are families who have been long-term residents who had a crisis happen to them that put them in a desperate circumstance,” Carter said.

Another way to spread seasonal cheer through the Salvation Army is to volunteer to visit area nursing homes to visit with residents and hand out 2017 wall calendars.

The Salvation Army also provides the distribution of Christmas cards at the Newton Correctional Center for inmates to send to their loved ones.

“This county is one of the best at expressing care,” Carter said. “Many individuals and families appreciate the opportunity to feel valued and cared for.”

Assistance

The Salvation Army provides a number of assistance programs on a regular basis.

• Food Pantry

Food assistance is available to Jasper County households up to every 30 days if needed. The food pantry is open 10 to 11:45 am and 1 pm to 3 pm. Funded by United Way, donations from individuals and groups and thrift store profits.

• Rent Assistance and Utility Assistance

Rental assistance or utility assistance, partial payment of past due bills, available for Jasper County households up to once per 12 months. Households must have received a determination from IMPACT and Jasper County Assistance. Rent or utility assistance is available by appointment.

Volunteering

There are a number of ways to get involved and to volunteer.

Social services volunteers are needed to prepare items to be distributed to needy families, office volunteers are needed to answer phone calls, greet visitors and perform general office duties.

Thrift store volunteers are needed to assist thrift store staff with processing items for sale. Program volunteers are also needed for youth character building programs, adult programs and life skills education programs.

Donations

Financial donations can be mailed or dropped off at 301 N. Second Ave. E. PO Box 337. Clean items in good condition can be dropped off at the thrift store Monday through Friday 8:30 am to noon and 1 to 4 pm.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6513 or
klangmaid@newtondailynews.com