Hear the bells a ringing...
Salvation Army “Red Kettle” Campaign begins November 22 in Valley City
A red kettle. A bell. A dressed-up Santa Claus or maybe just an apron-clad regular joe. We see them outside stores and on sidewalks throughout the holiday season. They’re so common that we even see them in movies, entering the city scene as the holiday protagonist strolls downtown.
The Salvation Army of Barnes County will start ringing the bells on November 22nd, with Naomi and LeNora, at the helm of the “Red Kettle” campaign.
Barnes County Salvation Army provided assistance to hundreds of people in the area last year. With that money, folks got help paying for meals, lodging, healthcare, clothing, rent, utilities, transportation and more.
Lee Isensee, Barnes County Salvation Army Chairman, says that the need in and around Valley City is great and this “Red Kettle” campaign is a wonderful opportunity for community members to help the less fortunate right here at home.
“The Salvation Army is a Christian organization. We do not discriminate at all,” Isensee says. “We feel that our whole mission is that everything within the Salvation Army is inspired by God. The Holy Spirit touches the heart of many to ring the bell and to put money in the kettle. It is all God-based. We all try to live out Matthew 25.”
Isensee also wanted to be sure the community knows how best to donate to the Barnes County Salvation Army.
“Something I didn’t realize a few years ago is the fact that when you send a donation to the Regional Salvation
Army office in the mail, that money doesn’t stick around here,” Isensee says. “The money that goes in the kettles here in Valley City stays here. As long as a check is in our kettle, it goes right back to benefit this community.”
Locally, the support Barnes County residents give the Salvation Army is extraordinary. As an extension unit of the volunteer organization, Barnes County raises more money every year than any other unit in North Dakota.
“Because of the generous donations from our residents, we are also number one in those states when it comes to helping the less fortunate,” Isensee says. “87% of the money raised from the kettle campaign goes right back to the people here at home.”
A special thank you to all those who are involved, and have been involved, in the local Salvation Army as volunteers. Giving your time and compassion to those who are struggling is such a wonderful gift Isensee says. The volunteers role in our community and their presence inspire others to do the same.
This year, the kettles in Valley City will be located at Leevers, as well as PetroServe USA. If you would like to give to the campaign and do not want to go out of the house, you can mail checks to Lee Isensee, PO Box 122, Valley City, ND 58072.
You can also get involved in this important campaign by volunteering to ring the bell in November and/or December by contacting cochairpersons, Naomi at 701-541-1418 or LeNora at 701-840-1357.
“We are confident that with the help of our wonderful team of ringers and generous giving community that we will be able to meet our $50,000 goal this year and continue to serve the needs of those in our community,” Isensee said.