The Salvation Army urges community members to volunteer and gather donations for individuals needing assistance this holiday season
Rogue Valley Times staff report
The Salvation Army in Jackson and Josephine counties is pleading for volunteers to help ring in the holidays during the annual Red Kettle donations campaign as the organization faces a critical shortage of staff.
“We are sounding the alarm,” said Capt. Yohani Ortiz with The Salvation Army Grants Pass. “If we don’t fill these volunteer slots, our ability to serve the community will be deeply affected. The fewer hours our kettles are staffed, the fewer donations we receive — and that directly impacts how much help we can provide.”
“Without enough volunteers to staff kettle stands, the funds raised to support vital programs and services will fall short,” the organization said in a press release. “The donations collected through the kettles provide essential resources, including food, shelter, and assistance for individuals and families struggling to make ends meet.”
How you can help
• Volunteer for as little as two hours: Every hour of bell ringing translates into more donations that stay in the community.
• Rally your group: Ring with a friend, family, or co-workers. Make it a fun and meaningful holiday tradition.
• Easy sign-up: Choose your time and location at RegisterToRing.com or call your local Salvation Army
Last year, donations from the Red Kettle Campaign supported 7,000 families with food, shelter and other critical services in Southern Oregon, according to the release.
“This is more than just a holiday tradition,” said Major Randy Mulch, The Salvation Army Jackson County coordinator. “Every dollar dropped into a kettle means a meal for someone who is hungry, a safe night of shelter, or hope for a struggling family. We cannot do this without the community’s help.”
This story first appeared in the Rogue Valley Times.
