The Salvation Army of Emporia is now into its biggest fundraiser of the year.
The annual bell-ringing campaign got underway with the media kickoff Saturday. KVOE staffers were stationed at Bluestem Farm and Ranch Supply, ringing bells for four hours to help get the effort started. KVOE General Manager Ron Thomas says staffers were glad to be involved.
Thomas encourages people to donate through Christmas Eve.
Salvation Army Capt. Mylie Hadden says the goal this year is $50,000 after KVOE’s Drive for Food filled the agency’s food pantry late last month. The need for food remains great since the federal government shutdown earlier this month, although it’s trending back to normal demand.
Along with that, though, is a need for money to help offset other needs.
Capt. Hadden says the Salvation Army has been looking for ways to make donating easier — meaning the return of “Tap to Pay” at select locations.
Volunteers are needed to handle bell-ringing duties locally, with kettles at Bluestem, Country Mart, Dillons, Good’s Cash Saver, Hobby Lobby, the Salvation Army thrift store and Walmart. To volunteer, go online to registertoring.com.
