900 families projected for seasonal assistance; The Salvation Army of Elgin making Christmas a reality for those in need
(December 10, 2015) - It is midseason for the Red Kettle Campaign, and with a goal of $202,000, The Salvation Army of Elgin Illinois is depending on the generosity of the community to donate to the red kettles and volunteers to ring the bells. The last total calculated for the red kettle campaign stands at $93,180, or 46% of the goal, with 12 days left in the bellringing season.
"We have generous donors and volunteers in our community, of which we are very grateful for, but we need more to help us make Christmas a reality for those less fortunate in our community that we serve," states Lt. Mike Hanton, corps officer for The Salvation Army of Elgin.
This year, more than 900 families are projected for seasonal assistance for food boxes. Of this number, over 1,000 children or more will be provided with toys and clothing through the Christmas Toy Shop. Lt. Hanton believes the holiday needs will be met, "because the community cares and wants to help us help those in need."
The money collected in the red kettles in Elgin is used to provide services to those in need in northern Kane County during the holiday season, including Christmas Angel Tree, toy shop, and food baskets. Money raised at Christmas also includes 70 percent of the yearly budget that supports year-round programming such as family services and crisis assistance, including emergency utility assistance, Nicor gas sharing program, emergency clothing closet, food distribution and prescription assistance. Children and youth programs, including instrumental music lessons in brass band and vocal instruction (Let the Music Begin), Kids Club (Sparks Academy), and teen ministry through Metro Youth Network. Counseling and rehabilitation, including at-risk youth, family and individual counseling, support for human trafficking victims, partner abuse intervention, and substance abuse rehabilitation. Emergency disasters, including rapid response to local and national disasters with mobile canteen for hydration, food, and spiritual and pastoral care for first responders as well as the victims of the disasters including long-term needs.
Volunteer bellringers still needed
The Red Kettle campaign continues until Dec. 24 and is very dependent upon volunteers in assisting with bellringing especially this Saturday, Dec. 12, for the annual Colonial Café Match Day. Shifts are available Monday-Saturday for the next two weeks and signup is easy online at www.registertoring.com or you can call the office at (847) 741-2304.
In 2015, The Salvation Army is celebrating its 150th worldwide anniversary and 130 years of service in Chicago and the Fox Valley area. As one of the largest direct providers of social services in the state of Illinois, The Salvation Army operates more than 20 corps community centers in the Metropolitan division, as well as other facilities in neighborhoods across the greater Chicago area and surrounding counties including Elgin and Kane County offering after-school programs, recreational activities and music education, as well as disaster relief, shelter, meals, child care, senior services and more.