The Salvation Army of Dickinson County, Bread of Life Assistance Center Case Manager Jennifer Witte and Director Tara Blagec get Easter baskets ready to be delivered to their Pathway of Hope families as well as local veterans. The Salvation Army was able to raise about $69,000 during its 2022 Red Kettle campaign, which assists year-round with programs like this. (Daily News photo)

By TERRI CASTELAZ

THe Daily News

KINGSFORD — The Salvation Army Bread of Life Assistance Center of Dickinson County’s 2022 Red Kettle campaign raised about $69,000 to help community members in need.

The annual campaign is the non-profit organization’s primary fundraiser and finances programs year-round.

“This campaign is a community-wide effort, with all credit going to our local community members,” Dickinson County Salvation Army Director Tara Coss said. “Without the cooperation from local businesses that allow us to host the kettles; dedicated bell ringers who are out there regardless of the inclement weather; and the generosity of local businesses, volunteers, service clubs, various church groups and organizations; this would not be possible.”

Getting those kettles manned is crucial, Cross explained, to the success of the campaign, which kicks off the second week of November and runs through Dec. 24.

“When we had ringers out in the stores, donors were very generous,” Dickinson County Salvation Army Case Manager Jennifer Witte said. “If people didn’t see kettles in the stores, they still made sure they mailed in their donations.”

Coss and Witte are already preparing for this year’s campaign. “We hope to make connections with volunteers early to help get those time slots filled,” Witte said.

In addition, this year they also received a $10,000 donation from The Second Step Foundation, a non-profit organization developed by Interstate Companies Inc.

All money raised during the Red Kettle campaign remains within the local area.

With these funds The Salvation Army’s service programs, which focus on various at-risk populations, will go unhindered, they said.

Major services include the food pantry, which also offers diapers/wipes, personal hygiene and cleaning supplies; Pathway of Hope, a client-driven, holistic strength-based case management initiative that allows families to break the cycles of crisis and vulnerability and move toward increased stability; utility assistance; various housing crisis issues; holiday programming; back-to-school assistance; Inmate Restore Hope, which focuses on providing individualized case management services to inmates being released who desire to take action; and other areas of assistance to individuals and families in crisis.

During the annual kettle season, staff and volunteers are also busy coordinating efforts to ensure Thanksgiving and Christmas needs were met by providing food boxes for those holidays plus Angel Tree assistance to those in need.

This year, 250 individuals — 161 adults and 89 children — benefited from the Thanksgiving food boxes, while 484 individuals — 210 adults and 274 children — received Christmas food boxes.

The Salvation Army Angel Tree program — which ensures that each person enrolled in the program woke up on Christmas morning with presents under the tree — served 596 individuals, 224 adults and 372 children.

“Our agency strives to be good stewards of our resources and value each of our donors’ efforts, which are only possible because of various local groups, churches, businesses and community members that come together and care about those who are struggling as if it’s their own family members,” Coss said. “For this, we are grateful and appreciative and will continue to do our best to ensure we are doing everything to the best of our abilities to prevent duplication.”

In addition, the agency hosted a Kindness Klothing distribution during the month of March. “We received a very large donation of new children-through-adults-size summer clothing, including swimsuits,” Witte said.

They able to assist 127 individuals with summer clothing and undergarment needs.

Coss and Witte also recently made several special deliveries of baskets filled with Easter treats to their Pathway families, veterans and local law enforcement.

They are humbled and honored by the support they receive each year, they said.

“To see the humility and graciousness of so many coming together for the greater good of those we are called to serve, knowing that ‘need knows no season,’ which is vital for us because we provide services not just during the holidays but all year round,” Coss said.

For more information about the Salvation Army Bread of Life Assistance Center of Dickinson County programs, call 906-779-5717.

Florence County effort raises

$4,169 for Salvation Army

The Florence County Salvation Army Board was able to generate $4,169.44 during its 2022 Red Kettle campaign.

“Once again the response was so gratifying,” said Karen Wertanen, campaign coordinator. “Thanks to our residents, visitors and businesses for their wonderful support.”

Again, funds raised will be used locally. “We know there are many families who will benefit from these funds,” Wertanen said.

The board thanks Pat’s Foods, Family Dollar, the Florence BP Station, Barb’s Cafe, Big Foot Liquors, Aurora BP and Liquor, and Tom and Joe’s for hosting the small red kettles on their counters.

In addition, Big Foot Liquors hosted a very successful promotion, with proceeds given to the Salvation Army.

“We thank those who were able to volunteer to do bell ringing at Pat’s Foods in Florence and at the Christmas in Florence event,” Wertanen said.

A special acknowledgement went to Florence Utilities for its donation and to all who made the extra effort to contribute directly to the Great North Bank or online. “You all are a blessing to those in need who so appreciate Salvation Army assistance throughout the year,” Wertanen said.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.