By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
The day after Thanksgiving is always the big kick-off for the Salvation Army annual Red Kettle Drive. The Red Kettle Drive is the main donation fundraiser drive which the Salvation Army does each year to gather funds to help the needy.
Present at Mesquite Walmart for the local Kick-off event on Friday morning was Mr. & Mrs. Claus, Mayor Al Litman and Salvation Army of Mesquite Director Bill Ennis.
“The monies put into the kettles in the Virgin Valley stays here to help local residents” said Ennis.
Ennis emphasized that the local organization is very careful to spend these local funds where it is needed most. The clients of the Salvation Army are vetted, and must show proof of who they are and local residency. They also must be under a certain income level to receive help, he said.
From now through Christmas Eve, volunteers will be out in front of the major stores in Mesquite ringing the bells. Some may be singing, or dancing to get your attention.
The change in your pockets that is donated to the kettle drive really adds up, Ennis said.
“With inflation the way it is, this year we are extra needy for everything,” Ennis added. “Last year we had 300 kids on the Angel Tree, this year there are 400. We had 52 seniors on the Angel Tree last year. This year there are 94. Last year the Salvation Army had 340 clients, this year we have 871. We are completely out of grant monies and our food pantry shelves are pretty bare. We can use all kinds of food donations like canned green beans, milk, fruits.
The local church groups help to keep the organization going, said Ennis.
Ann Hebbert from the Valley Presbyterian Church said that they sponsor 6 families and 6 seniors monthly through the Salvation Army. They also take care of their Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4th of July and Easter, she said. The church participates in the Angel Tree and Safe Nest needs. The church has been doing this since 2019.
The first volunteer bell ringer at Smiths Market was veteran Moose Moorhead from Living Waters Church. Moorhead volunteers every year. He said it is fun for him and it’s for a good cause.
