Salvation Army begins Red Kettle Campaign Friday with Harvest Festival and auction

These are busy days for the Newton Salvation Army. In these tough economic times, the need for the Salvation Army’s services has increased dramatically. But Captains Ron and Carol Cook are not shying away from the challenge of meeting those needs. “Requests for food baskets have tripled this year,” Carol Cook said. Thanksgiving food baskets have been assembled and will be going out to those requesting them this morning. Cook said they will be serving 225 families with Thanksgiving boxes this year. With few food drives happening this early in the season, the Salvation Army has spent an additional $3,500 on food for the boxes. Recipients will get just about everything they need for a Thanksgiving feast: Turkey, whipping cream, butter, eggs, canned vegetables, stuffing, potatoes, dinner rolls, cookies and candy. The boxes were lined up Wednesday on tables in the Salvation Army’s dining area, waiting for distribution today. Cook said things move in and out of that area very quickly. By Friday evening, the area will be ready for the Salvation Army’s annual fund-raising auction. The evening will kick off the Red Kettle Campaign with the Harvest Dinner from 5 until 6 p.m. Cost is $5.50 for adults and $2.50 for children 10 and under. Following the dinner, the auctions — a live auction and a silent auction — will begin. Cook said that 240 theme baskets have been prepared — everything from games, dolls, infant clothing, baking items, toys and bath items. In addition, there are several handmade quilts that will be auctioned as well. “The auction is Newton’s best-kept secret,” Cook said. The goal for this year’s Red Kettle Campaign is $110,000. The usual sites around Newton will feature bell-ringers again this year, with a couple of new additions. Bells will be rung at Theisen’s in Newton as well as at Wal-Mart in Pella. Cook said those wishing to ring bells for the Red Kettle Campaign, or for a list of needed food items for the food pantry, should call the Salvation Army office at 792-6131.

John Jennings can be contacted at 792-3121 ext. 425 or via e-mail at jjennings@newtondailynews.com.