Salvation Army

The Salvation Army has sent out an S.O.S. in an effort to shore up a big gap in giving this holiday season. Here's the press release:

The Salvation Army of Batavia is $6,000 behind in its Red Kettle Campaign, compared to this time last year, and is barely half-way to its $65,000 goal, reported Captain Robert Kurtz, director.

Describing the situation as urgent, he attributed the shortfall to the tough economy, not enough outdoor bellringers, the weather, and, with the prevalence of debit/credit cards, fewer people carrying cash.

“We need more bellringers, especially in the evening,” the captain said. “Even though we are quite a bit behind, we trust in the community to help us serve those in need. We have committed to provide food and toys for 760 needy families this Christmas.”

The community can help in three ways, he noted.

1. Become a bellringer (especially groups). Call 585-343-6284; call The Red Kettle  Center toll free at 1-877-764-7259, or go online to redkettles.org.
2. Become a virtual bellringer by going to onlineredkettle.org.
3. Send a tax-deductible check directly to the local Salvation Army, 529 East Main St., Batavia, NY  14020

He added: “We thank everyone who has volunteered or made a donation, and we are grateful to our community and neighbors who remember those less fortunate.”

Since I complained about it, I should note the clean up: When I was driving to the office this morning, I noticed this man out in front of the Salvation Army Thrift Store on Jackson cutting the grass strips in front of the parking lot.  When I drove home, the whole area looked much nicer.

Road crews all over Genesee County have been vigilant and most roads and city streets are now all clear of the ice and snow that covered them yesterday, according to WBTA's Dan Fischer. Nevertheless, some patches of packed snow can be found in spots, so caution is still advised while driving. As for tonight—how about rain? Temperatures will be pushing 40 degrees as we head into Christmas Eve. That means some of the ubiquitous snow will shrink down as it melts.

Fischer reports that the storms have caused some collateral damage, costing the Salvation Army some $5,000 in donations to the Red Kettle Campaign, presumably because folks couldn't get out and give.

Two new paid employees and a volunteer have joined the staff at the Salvation Army in Batavia for the holiday season, according to the Daily News. Joan Stevens, Suzanne Wheeler and Mike Morasco bring diverse experience to the crew. Check out the article by Virginia Kropf for more on the new hires.

In other news, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America will host free memory screenings from 9:00am to 1:00pm on Tuesday at Kmart, 8363 Lewiston Road, in Batavia.

We encourage you to pick up a copy of the Daily News at your local newsstand. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.

As the holiday season fast approaches, the Salvation Army readies its legion of bell ringers for the ubiquitous Red Kettle Campaign. Volunteers are needed, and anyone in the community can sign up.

From the press release:

“We call upon all businesses, families, individuals, clubs, churches, unions and associations – including sororities, fraternities, schools, business and civic organizations – to consider scheduling some time to ring the bells,” said Major Leonard Boynton, officer-in-charge of The Salvation Army in Batavia.

“A successful campaign is especially critical this year,” said Boynton. “With the economic downturn, this winter is going to be very difficult for many struggling families. We are already experiencing increases in requests for assistance and we anticipate that the demand will continue."

“The appeal of the kettle campaign is that it is very personal. When we see someone at a kettle, we know this is our neighbor, someone who is willing to sacrifice a few hours for those less fortunate or those having a temporary crisis.”

Money raised during The Red Kettle Campaign is used throughout the year to provide services to families, individuals, children and senior citizens. Programs include: emergency family assistance, older adult luncheons & activities, and after school youth programs.

Any person or organization wishing to help may call the local Salvation Army at 343-6284 or The Red Kettle Center, anytime at 1-877-764-7259. Information and volunteer forms are also available on-line at www.redkettles.org.

The Red Kettle Campaign began in 1891 when a Salvation Army captain in San Francisco resolved to provide a free Christmas dinner to the area's poor. Kettles now are used around the world, including Korea, Japan, Chile and Europe. Everywhere, public contributions to the kettles enable The Salvation Army to bring the spirit of Christmas to people who would otherwise be forgotten - the aged and lonely, the ill, poor and disadvantaged, and inmates of jails and other institutions.

The Salvation Army has begun its annual Coats for Others donation campaign, according to WBTA's Dan Fischer. Folks can drop off their unneeded winter coats at the Salvation Army Center at 529 E. Main St. Those in need can arrange to pick up coats by contacting that same office (343-6284) or by stopping by. No appointment is necessary. The campaign will run through February.