The smile didn’t leave Beverly Mayfield’s face as she talked about the upcoming holiday season.
The envoy of the local Salvation Army said the organization is preparing for its busiest time of the year with efforts like the Red Kettle Campaign and angel tree program. While it’s a merry time of year for many, others may view the approaching holidays as a time of uncertainty about how to make ends meet. That’s where The Salvation Army comes in.
As the nucleus of many local holiday fundraisers, the last two months of the year are a big push for The Salvation Army, Mayfield said.
“What we raise helps us help others throughout the year,” she said. “Not just at Christmastime.”
Much of what is raised comes from the organization’s Red Kettle Campaign. The effort raises money to help feed the homeless and provide safe shelter for thousands of families. This year, a goal to collect $25,000 locally has been set.
“This is our biggest fundraiser,” Mayfield said. “What we collect through bell ringing really helps us throughout the entire year with our food pantry, medical funds, utilities, and different types of emergencies. It just helps with a lot of different things.”
Kettles started popping up in locations around Borderland this week, but the sounds of ringing bells have yet to be heard. Mayfield said volunteers are needed to ring bells at three locations around the community: County Market, Kmart and SuperOne. Counter kettles are also available at a variety of businesses.
Mayfield said the effort started early to help meet the $25,000 goal.
“We do have people signed up, just for later in the month and next month,” she said.
Signing up to volunteer only requires a few steps. Those interested can register at www.registertoring.com or they can call The Salvation Army at 283-3394.
“We really appreciate those who take an hour to volunteer,” Mayfield said. “When there is someone ringing the bell, people are more likely to give... And by volunteering, you’re helping someone. You may not know them, but you may help someone keep their lights on or heat in their house. Something so simple can do something really good.”
The envoy said the organization expects some kind matching donations effort later in the season, but details were unknown at this time.
“We typically have some kind of match as more of an incentive for people to donate on certain days,” she said.
Angel tree program
This year, the angel tree program has undergone some changes. Instead of wish lists hanging from Christmas trees, this year, tags are age and gender specific, and only offer suggestions of gifts people can purchase.
“It was time to change it,” Mayfield said of the effort, adding trees are already in place at a variety of locations listed in the box associated with this story.
A last-minute mix-up in the wrapping of gifts last year prompted the much-needed adjustment, Mayfield said. Instead of parents picking up already wrapped gifts at The Salvation Army, St. Thomas Aquinas Hall will transform into a toy shop where families can come select toys and later wrap them on their own.
“We plan to have wrapping supplies available, too,” Mayfield said. “St. Thomas will provide the space we simply do not have. It’s going to become a toy shop.”
She admitted the new system, while details are still being worked out, has put her more at ease.
“I’m much more relaxed this year,” she said. “I think it’s going to work out nicely.”
People can also sponsor families, she added. Sponsorship will vary according to how much people are able to provide. Mayfield said an example would be if people could sponsor a family of four for $50 each, plus the cost of a Christmas food basket, it would cost $250.
“It’ll just depend on what people are able to do,” she said.
The Salvation Army is working closely with UnitedHealth Group to ensure the effort runs smoothly.
“We started a Christmas committee and people there are helping us set up trees, they’re doing a toy drive and they’ll help the day of distribution,” Mayfield said.
Still, more volunteers will be needed, she continued. Anyone interested in helping can call The Salvation Army for more details.
“We always need extra help this time of year,” she said. “By volunteering, you just feel good. And that’s what matters — you are helping someone who is less fortunate.”
