Salvation Army

With a world full of causes, sometimes it's hard to determine who or what to support. Joel and I have many causes that are close to our hearts, with the Salvation Army being near the top.

​This year will be our fourth year ringing bells for their Red Kettle Campaign. We commit at least one night every year during the holidays to do this. It has become an annual tradition that we both look forward to. It's always freezing cold, but we're together, doing good, smiling, using the bells to play Christmas tunes, and feeling the warmth of peoples' generosity as they drop money into the kettle.

​The Salvation Army itself does SO MANY wonderful things for our community every single day. Here's just a few of the ways they help those in need:

• Give holiday supplies and gifts to families so parents  don't have to choose between giving gifts and paying bills.
• Provide food to the hungry, because every day, almost 50 million Americans experience food insecurity.
• Offer shelter to the homeless, because more than 500,000 people go without shelter every night in the United States.
• From providing addiction recovery to educating kids, funds that are raised are used for those looking for help and hope wherever they need it most.

​How awesome is this?! I think it's just wonderful. And is why I always drop something in a red kettle, even if it's a few pennies, because each donation counts.

​If you're interested in ringing bells, it's really easy to sign up. You can go through the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley when the campaign is running. I've found signing up through them is the easiest and fastest way because you are put in touch with a local coordinator. They have lots of dates, times, and locations to choose from. 

​If you can't donate time, donate your loose change, because like I said before, each donation truly counts and your dollars help make a huge impact in your local community!

​Merry Christmas - 'tis the season of giving!