Newton man starts another community challenge, this time for Salvation Army

Rick Vernon has a new challenge for Newton.

The man who started a community challenge last year to raise money for the local school district’s lunch balance deficit is now calling upon residents to make donations to the Salvation Army in Newton before the end of Christmas. Inspired by the recent threats to SNAP benefits, Vernon felt compelled to do something.

Again, Vernon is offering a matching donation. This time it is up to $15,000. He hopes the community is willing to give more to the local Salvation Army, which not only supplies food to individuals throughout the county but also holds holiday events allowing struggling parents to collect toys for their kids.

Last year, Vernon read a Newton News article about the Newton Community School District taking families to small claims court for overdue lunch balances and equipment and textbook fees. He took action and announced he would make a matching donation. In less than a week, the balance was in the black.

He hoped the act of kindness would catch on around the state, and in many ways it did. A number of other community leaders in school districts across Iowa made similar pledges. Helping his hometown is very important to Vernon, whose family business, The Vernon Company, has served in Newton for almost 125 years.

“I grew up in Newton and even though I’ve lived in the Des Moines area since 1998, I’ve always come back to Newton during the week for work,” Vernon said. “So obviously I want to help the Newton families. Some of them I know. Most of them I don’t. But I want to help people when they’re hungry.”

Similarly to his previous challenge, Vernon wants to see other communities follow suit and make contributions to valuable resources. Vernon said all it takes to leave an impact is for community leaders to step up and make a challenge. Right now, he added, there is a need among Iowans and Americans.

Economic conditions coupled with delays in SNAP benefits have forced people into difficult situations. Those effects can be felt by Vernon’s fellow Cardinals.

“We’re going to make sure people don’t go hungry in Newton anyway,” he said. “And hopefully it will go viral and then other communities will do the same thing. Some of the wealthy people in town can step up and contribute that have the money, that’s for sure. So I’ll be out front telling them that!”

For individuals wanting to contribute to the Salvation Army community challenge, checks should be made payable to the “Salvation Army of Newton.” Others may also donate by visiting www.salarmynewton.org or www.salvationarmyusa.org/ia/newton/n-2nd-avenue-e-corps/ and acknowledge it is for the challenge.