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Sturdevants To Be Honored During Christmas In July Salvation Army Campaign

By Shannon Hicks

Published: Jun 16, 2026 7:00 am

The Newtown-Bethel chapter of The Salvation Army will return with a special one-day fundraiser next month. This year’s Christmas in July bell ringing event will carry special significance for those who knew the late Dick and/or Marie Sturdevant.

Dick Sturdevant was a past president of the local chapter of The Salvation Army when he died in January 2024. Marie Sturdevant was board secretary for over 30 years.

Current Newtown-Bethel Salvation Army President Glenn Nanavaty has pledged to personally match all donations collected when Christmas in July returns on Saturday, July 18.

“We’re going to honor them, and this is going to be my gift in honor of them,” Nanavaty said June 4. “We want to recognize all that they both did for the organization.”

On Monday, Nanavaty also noted that in addition to serving as board and committee members, the Sturdevants were both bell ringers, and each offered “any support they could provide to help the community and the town.”

Funds donated during the eight-hour period next month will again benefit Newtown Human Services. According to statistics provided to The Newtown Bee, between May 2025 and May 2026 that collaboration has assisted 44 households in Newtown. That assistance included 28 fuel deliveries, nine payments for electricity, five vehicle rentals, and two car repairs/payments.

Collections raised during Christmas in July also help cover costs associated with local children returning to school in the autumn.

Newtown Lions Club recently presented a $1,000 donation to The Salvation Army to help launch the Christmas in July campaign.

Volunteers Needed

As of June 8, 33 people had registered for the 59 available openings on July 18, according to Katherine Simpson, who is helping to coordinate the event.

The Salvation Army will have ringers located outside Bagel Delight, 30 Church Hill Road; Bottle Stop Wine & Spirit Superstore, 5 Queen Street; Dunkin Donuts, 6 Queen Street; Newtown General Store, 43 Main Street; Stop & Shop (both entrances), 228 South Main Street; Walgreens, 49 South Main Street; and Yankee Wine & Spirits, 6 Queen Street.

Nanavaty told The Newtown Bee volunteers will be at these locations “starting as early as 8 am and closing at 4 pm.”

Individuals, couples, families, and groups are all invited to register for one-hour shifts. Those under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult ringer.

To register, visit bit.ly/4dL3QYN, or contact the Newtown-Bethel chapter at SANewtownBethel@gmail.com or 734-645-6909.

Volunteers are encouraged to wear Christmas attire, America 250/250th anniversary clothing or outfits, or dress as they please.

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Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.

A $1,000 donation from Newtown Lions Club on June 4 launched the Newtown-Bethel/Salvation Army Christmas in July campaign, which will ultimately benefit Newtown Social Services. Gathered at Newtown Community Center last Thursday afternoon were, from left, Newtown Human Services Director Natalie Griffith, Salvation Army chapter President Glenn Nanavaty, Newtown Lions Club member Kevin Corey, Social Services Case Worker Jacqueline Watson, and Social Services Care Navigator Alexa Griffin. —Bee Photo, Hicks

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Sturdevants To Be Honored During Christmas In July Salvation Army Campaign

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