Tuesday, December 10, 2024
During a regular city council meeting of the City of Gatesville, council members voted to declare Thursday, Nov. 14, as, “The Salvation Army Day.”
Salvation Army members and volunteers were present at the meeting to hear the reading of the new proclamation.
The proclamation states, “For many years, The Salvation Army has been an important organization in the Gatesville community, and the lives of many area residents are enriched by the spiritual and physical contributions of The Salvation Army.”
The Salvation Army conducts the Red Kettle Campaign annually from late November until just before Christmas, inviting the community to give as they are able, to support life-changing year-round programs.
“I believe that the Salvation Army is important in our community in that the money raised here will stay in Gatesville. So, we are helping our fellow citizens and neighbors in the community and know that our money is not sent somewhere else,” Mayor Gary Chumley said. “It was important to declare a day to the Salvation Army as it helps to bring awareness to the good the Salvation Army performs in the community.”
The campaign raises funds that will pay a utility bill that otherwise would be cut off, give prescription drug assistance, give temporary housing assistance, send children to summer camp, give emotional support and practical assistance to those in need, and many other services to the community.
The proclamation also states, “The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign is an important tradition that keeps with the spirit of giving in the Christmas season and provides for those less fortunate.”
Last year, the community raised $19,000, which has been disbursed throughout the year to locals who are experiencing difficult times.
“Our community has always risen to the challenge of meeting the needs of our fellow citizens, and the Proclamation of Salvation Army Day by the city council just reminds us that it is about uniting in love to do what we can,” Joyce Talbott, Red Kettle Coordinator said.
Bell ringing began on Monday, Nov. 18, with help from volunteers Mary Massingill, Melinda Burke, Darlene Curie Bush, Donna Bennett Neal, Jeremy Stills, and Adam Fitzer as Santa.
Salvation Army volunteers will be stationed at Walmart with their red kettles from Monday to Saturday each week leading up to Christmas from 12-2 p.m., 2-4 p.m., and 4-6 p.m. There will be a break in honor of Thanksgiving from Wednesday, Nov. 27 to Thursday, Nov. 28.
“Every penny of your donations to our red kettle stays here in our community,” Talbott said. “Each community is responsible for raising funds for their own outreach programs. As we always tell our volunteer bell ringers, the kettle does the work.”
The Salvation Army is currently in need of volunteer bell ringers.
“Many larger cities rely on hired bell ringers. Our bell ringers and all our board members are volunteers. There is no question that our bell ringers are the best. You will not meet finer people,” Talbott said.
Various churches have taken on signing up members of their congregations as well, including Coryell Community Church, the First Methodist Church, Trinity Baptist Church, the Church of Christ, the Presbyterian Church, and Eastwood Baptist Church.
Local youth groups also plan to ring the bells, such as Team Gatesville with the Special Olympics, Scout Pack 272, Coryell County 4-H, cheerleaders, the Gatesville Junior High School basketball teams, and Gatesville Independent School District athletic trainers.
Other avenues of giving include Tax Deferred Charitable Giving and Charitable Estate Planning. Tom Creek, Treasurer with Extraco Bank, can make arrangements with those who desire to make a one-time or monthly donation by check.
Talbott expressed, “The Salvation Army is important to our community not just for the financial assistance it provides, but, more importantly, for how it unites us all in love accomplishing a common purpose.”
To sign-up to volunteer as an individual or with a group, visit https://signup.com/go/XrtXriz.
Join the Red Kettle: Bring Hope, Love, and Unity
