Salvation Army read to ring in the Christmas season

The needs are greater, and now is time that people look to the Salvation Army and the many programs they provide throughout the year to help, and if it not for the generosity of the residents of Mesquite, many would be turned away.



And the Red Kettles are the main way that these programs get funded.

Whether it is a dollar bill or change, it all adds up, according to Charlotte Alsman, director of the Salvation Army.


“The needs in Mesquite are greater than they have ever been, and our donations to meet these growing needs have been down this year. And it is understandable, because the people just don’t have the funds to be as generous as they have been in years past.


“So, we have greater financial constraints on many of our programs we offer to the community.


“This is why the kettle program is so very important this year, because the kettles are our largest fundraiser for the year.


“When people see the kettles they generally think about the Salvation Army as a Christmas organization, but the Salvation Army exists 12 months out of the year. And it is through the donations we receive through the kettles that help us stay afloat for the rest of the year.”


The funds raised through the kettles go toward maintaining the Salvation Army’s family programs, their family resource center (food, clothing, and shelter), and the general maintenance of their facilities.


“All the funds that are raised in Mesquite stay in Mesquite,” said Roberta Franco, project director for kettle program.


“It is very important that people know that,” said Alsman. “All funds stay exclusively in Mesquite.”


And so the Salvation Army exists in Mesquite through the generosity of the residents of Mesquite, not only in the money donated, but also through many volunteers.


“We genuinely appreciate all the volunteers that help throughout the year,” said Alsman. “Without their help we wouldn’t be here. It is because of their diligence, their sponsorship, and their standing behind us. They come in and donate their time and talents to see our programs succeed.

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“Further, all of our employees volunteer around the community as well. During the kettle campaign, they will be out ringing the bells as well on their own time. If we can ask other people to commit, then we need to commit our free time as well.”


“The community doesn’t run on people being paid,” said Franco. “It runs on volunteerism, whether it is with the kettles, at the schools, or anywhere. That is what keeps our community going.”


And ringing the bells is one of the great needs that the Army has during this time of year. The Red Kettle program begins this Saturday runs through Dec. 24.


“We have different locations for people to give and for people to volunteer,” said Franco. “Kettles will be located outside Smith’s Food and Drug Store, Wal-Mart, El Rancho Market, and Lee’s.


“We are ringing in two-hour increments from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. And we are looking for help from the community to ring the bells.”


And while Franco is trying to fill in the gaps, the days she needs help the most is on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Also, there are still days open for corporations or organizations to take a full day at one of the locations, and signage will be provided for those who do participate.


“People can share their times with a friend if the two hour shift is too great. Also, some of the elderly have come to me and told me how they would love to ring the bells, but cannot stand for that length of time. When I told them to bring their stool to sit down their faces lit up, because they really wanted to ring the bells.


“It is also great for the people to ring the bells because they begin to learn a lot more about the community. And while that sounds funny, if you’re at a door for two hours ringing the bell, if you look at who is visiting these establishments and the giving spirit they possess, you learn a lot about our community.”


For information on volunteering, call Roberta Franco at 346-5833.