Summer hasn’t ended yet, and the Salvation Army is already thinking about fall and winter.
And if you’re thinking about winter and the Salvation Army, that means the annual bell-ringing campaign.
And that’s changing, according to Captain Mylie Hadden on KVOE’s Talk of Emporia this week. Specifically, the registration website is changing — meaning Register to Ring has been phased out and merged into a larger, more general volunteer page for the Salvation Army.
The new page is volunteer.central.salvationarmyusa.org and is searchable by ZIP code. Hadden says the bell-ringing sites are all set for the campaign, including Bluestem Farm and Ranch Supply, both Cash Saver stores, Dillons, Hobby Lobby and both Walmart entrances. Other preparations are also set.
The campaign begins November 22 with the annual local media bell-ringing event.
In the shorter term, the food pantry is in good shape now, but supplies will likely shrink in the next few weeks — so KVOE’s annual Drive for Food is now on the calendar for October 22. Hadden is asking churches and other community groups to sign up to provide items in one of 12 categories including breakfast items, vegetables, fruits, soups, healthier choices, meal helpers and others. Participating groups will then be asked to help fill different category needs on a rotating monthly basis.
The thrift store is getting an increased emphasis because purchases help to fund special emergency services like short-term rent and utility assistance.
To donate or to volunteer, call the Salvation Army at 620-342-3093.
