Salvation army bell ringers are all volunteers

Donations help

Grant County residents

COLUMBIA BASIN -The Salvation Army in Grant County kicked off the red kettle campaign Nov. 17.

The kick-off was also the beginning of a pilot program - none of the people ringing bells are paid. It's all volunteer work, Salvation Army Community Relations Director Joann Hosszu said.

In the past bell ringers were paid for their services.

Hosszu said she wanted Grant County to join in on the pilot program to ensure all funds collected go to those in need within the county.

The Saturday kick-off accumulated $548 in donations, she said.

The first day took place in Moses Lake with volunteers from Moses Lake High School Key Club members.

Key Club member Stephannie Massart said she volunteers to gain community service hours for her civics class. She and two other key club members were singing and dancing outside the post office for donations.

"I like to help out the community," Key Club member Nanako Era said. "Community service is my thing to do."

She said she enjoys singing and making people smile while gaining donations.

Key Club member Charleen Johnson said getting donations is important to help people in need within Grant County.

Volunteers with kettles will be ringing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays until Dec. 22, Hosszu said. Volunteers were only in Moses Lake during the first day of the campaign but will be spread throughout Grant County cities for the duration of the fund-raiser.

All money collected helps people in need in Grant County year-round, with the exception of 10 percent of the funds used to cover overhead costs of operation, she said.

"It's been very tight lately," Hosszu said.

Funds are typically used to pay for housing, utilities, medications and other emergency costs, she said. In 2006 nearly 500 Grant County families were assisted with funds.

Hosszu said there is consistent need throughout the year but there are peaks. In the wintertime people need help paying their electric bills and during the Christmas holiday sometimes people struggle to pay regular bills to afford gifts.

Hosszu said people who don't feel comfortable making a public donation to one of the kettles can send a check to the Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army main office is located at 320 Cedar St. in Moses Lake.

The hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. She continues to look for businesses that would be interested in hosting a donation box.

To volunteer or donate privately, contact The Salvation Army at 509-766-5875.