LOCAL NONPROFITS
The Salvation Army kicks off the holidays by giving back
The holiday season is a time of togetherness and reflection. As we gather with our families and loved ones it’s important to think of those who might not be as lucky as us. The Salvation Army has been helping those in San Marcos for years, but it takes the community to help them help those most in need. As stores fill with last minute holiday shoppers, keep an ear out for the ringing of bells and an eye out for volunteers in red. Your Christmas change can be the change in someone’s life.
The giving season was kicked off by a Blessing of the Bells. Pastor Colby Cotton of New Zion Baptist Church led the blessing over volunteers and donors to start the Red Kettle Season. The Salvation Army is the nation’s largest nonprofit, partnering with local churches and com- munities to offer aid to those experiencing homelessness, “modern slavery” or in need of disaster relief, according to the Salvation Army.
“We are seeing more and more people coming to our door needing help. It is a very hard time,” Salvation Army Service Center Manager Lisa Cruz said. “Every penny in those kettles goes toward helping people in need in Hays County.”
The San Marcos location serves all of Hays County and donations go towards funding their emergency assistance programs. Their goal is to raise $75,000 this holiday season. There are other ways to help besides monetary donations. Sign up to be a volunteer bell ringer at registertoring.com or call Kettle Coordinator Debbie Ruiz at 512212-6778 or the San Marcos office at 512754-8541.
Shifts are two hours long and run Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Locations include Walmarts in San Marcos, Kyle and Buda as well as Sam’s Club, Hobby Lobby, JCPenny, Cabela’s and Brookshire Brothers in Wimberley. Volunteers can be solo, or organizations and clubs are encouraged. Every penny counts this holiday season, let your change be the change in someone’s life. For more information, visit salvationarmyusa. org.
The Blessing of the Bells ceremony kicked off the holiday season. Photos courtesy of The Salvation Army
Volunteers wear red aprons and collect donations in front of local businesses.
Donation sites can be found at Hobby Lobby and at businesses around San Marcos.
Volunteers ring bells after each donation to signify service
and gratitude.
