Police, Sheriff and Firemen are out today to help The Salvation Army Rescue Christmas
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Capt. Doug Winters
906-226-2241
MqtCounty@usc.salvationarmy.org
Police, Sheriff and Firemen are out today to help The Salvation Army Rescue Christmas
Marquette County, MI (November 20, 2020) – The Sheriff department, local police and various Fire Departments from across the county will go head-to-head in a challenge today to raise funds for The Salvation Army in their ‘Rescue Christmas’ effort. Five Red Kettle locations will have a red kettle for Police and Fire, and shoppers will be encouraged to support these groups as they raise donations. The donations from across the county will be individually collected, and a winner of this challenge will be announced once the totals are tabulated.
This event was organized by Sheriff Greg Zyburt and Marquette Fire Chief Ian Davis, both members of The Salvation Army Advisory Board. Sheriff Zyburt and Chief Davis will meet with the press today, December 18, 2020 at 3:30 PM at Super One in Marquette to discuss the challenge.
The public is asked to encourage our first responders by stopping in at the challenge locations: Super One Marquette, Super One Negaunee, Jubilee Foods Ishpeming Rt. 41, Larry’s Foods Gwinn, and WalMart in Marquette. Police and Fire volunteers will ring from 4-8PM at these locations. “We are excited to have this support for our Red Kettle efforts”, said Captain Doug Winters, Salvation Army Marquette County. “All of the first responders and the front line medical staff are the real heroes in our community.” The Marquette Fire Department has already sponsored one complete day of ringing at Econo Foods, and the Marquette Police presented a $300 check to The Salvation Army from their beard-growing fundraiser.
The economic situation has led to more families facing financial hardship this Christmas season. The Salvation Army uses donations from the Red Kettle effort to support their efforts through the next year. This year’s Christmas efforts include the County Toy Shop continuing this week in Marquette and Alger Counties, and the Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day in Marquette, co-sponsored by Superiorland Kiwanis. Other programs include casework and financial assistance to those in need, a community lunch program, and food pantries operated in Marquette and Ishpeming.
“Through the pandemic, the community lunch program has more than doubled, and we are currently averaging over 120 meals served each day” said Winters. “This speaks to the need in our community right now”.
Visit RescueChristmas.org to donate or learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army “Rescue Christmas” this year. Every donation provides help and hope to the most vulnerable, and all gifts stay within the local area in which they are given. If you need services or know of someone in need, please visit SalvationArmyUSA.org to find a location near you. The Salvation Army of Marquette County serves Marquette, Alger and eastern Baraga Counties.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.