By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
It is that time of year when you see them out in front of stores ring-jing-jingling their bells, but the change that the Salvation Army collects extends past the holiday season.
Lt. Annie Buckles of the Bucyrus Area Salvation Army explained what the change the organization collects goes towards.
“A lot of people assume when they see the bell ringers at Christmas time that all that money raised goes directly towards Christmas,” Lt. Buckles said. “A portion of it does, but we use it to kind of help people throughout the year to get into the next calendar year as well.”
Buckles explained that all the money that is raised stays local including money donated through direct mail.
One of year-round programs that the bell ringers fund is the emergency food program. Buckles explained what the emergency food program entails.
“That means it is three days’ worth of meals whether you are a family of one or a family of 10,” Buckles said. “We try to accommodate that for large or small families.”
The Salvation Army also will use the funds to do an emergency lodging. While the duration of the lodging is based on a case by case scenario, Lt Buckles explained that the most is usually two days.
While the Salvation Army accepts donations year round there are a few ways the Salvation Army tries to go the extra mile for those in need.
“There are several things we look for. One of them is angel tree tags. Most of them are private, either businesses or churches will take them, but Wal-Mart also carries our tags,” Buckles said “They are like little ornament circular tags that represents people who have gone through our application process. We are looking for people to pick a tag up and maybe pick something off the list. Some people may think that some of the things on the list are expensive, but they are just suggestions. But we have to remember they are just kids, they don’t choose to be poor, they don’t choose to be in the situation that they are in and they like the same things that most kids and grandkids like.”
Toys and emergency programs through the collected change aren’t the only items that the Bucyrus Salvation Army needs help to help those in need.
“Clothing is also another thing we ask for and we also ask for food donations,” Buckles continued. “We do Christmas food for families in assistance. We look for mostly nonperishable items. We have very small storage in terms of hams and turkeys we will take a few, but not like a truckload as we wouldn’t know what to do with it or where to store it, so we will try to move it on as quickly as possible. We do take a lot of canned food like canned veggies, canned fruits, even things like peanut butter because that is a staple. Mashed potatoes in the instant packs are great this time of year, stuffing mixes and things that are great with a Christmas dinner.”
The feeding program will also go towards the Salvation Army’s second annual Christmas Dinner which is open to the public and takes place from 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 23.
“It is going to be like a Christmas dinner. We are going to have ham, scalloped potatoes, either green beans or corn, and we are going to have rolls and Christmas cookies for dessert.”
Buckles noted that if people don’t have the funds to donate that they are looking for volunteers to help with their programs.
“If you are someone who likes to volunteer we are always looking for help with that dinner,” Buckles said. “We are also looking for help this time of year in our distribution center. We are distributing for Christmas out of Holy Trinity School this year, and that is going to be on Tuesday Dec. 22 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Then in the afternoon we kind of take a little break.”
Buckles noted that they are looking for volunteers prior to the distribution day as well with help prepare the bags prior to the distribution day, as well as sorting the canned goods. For those interested in volunteering call the Bucyrus Salvation Army at 419-562-0071.