With the holidays just around the corner, members of the local Salvation Army met at the Newtown Community Center on the morning of Monday, November 18, to discuss the upcoming Red Kettle Campaign that begins December 6.

Around the world, the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign collects public contributions that go toward helping people in need. Kettle collections are overseen by bell-ringing volunteers.

In recent years, funds raised by the Salvation Army in Newtown have gone to help residents by providing food and assistance with rental, auto, utility, and medical expenses.

Donations from the Red Kettle Campaign and from local organizations are crucial for the Salvation Army to achieve its mission of helping others.

At the start of the meeting on Monday, Newtown Lions Club member Steve Bennett presented that group’s annual check donation to the Salvation Army.

To help support the Salvation Army’s efforts, a check from the Newtown Lions Club was also given directly to Newtown Social Services for residents’ heating assistance this winter. Newtown Center for Support and Wellness Community Care Navigator Corinne Ofgang accepted the check on behalf of Natalie Jackson, the town’s director of Human Services.

Glenn J. Nanavaty, president of the Salvation Army’s Newtown / Bethel Unit, explained, “The Newtown Social Services Department administers donations from the Salvation Army and others, like the Newtown Lions Club, to support town residents by providing food, clothing, medical assistance, and other services, in addition to the heating assistance.”

Additionally, the Salvation Army received a check donation from Newtown United at the meeting.

This year, the Salvation Army will also be accepting donations through Apple Pay and Google Pay at some Red Kettle locations.

Become A Bell Ringer

Another way to help the Salvation Army is to volunteer to be a bell ringer during the Red Kettle Campaign.

There are still locations in town that are in need of volunteers this season. Each volunteer can sign up for a one-hour time slot.

On Fridays, December 6 and 13, volunteers are needed at the General Store from 8 am to 11 am, Stop & Shop North from 4 to 7 pm, Stop & Shop South from 4 to 7 pm, Walgreens from 4 to 7 pm, Bottle Stop from 4 to 7 pm, Yankee Wine from 4 to 7 pm, and Pizza Palace from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.

On Saturdays, December 7 and 14, volunteers are needed at Dunkin’ Donuts from 8 to 11 am, Bagel Delight from 8 to 11 am, the General Store from 8:15 am to 12:15 pm, Walgreens from 9 am to 3 pm, Yankee Wine from noon to 3 pm, Bottle Stop from noon to 3 pm, and Pizza Palace from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.

To volunteer for bell ringing, contact Salvation Army member Anna Wiedemann at aroosterw@yahoo.com or by calling 203-417-3004. People can also register online by visiting Sign Up Genius at bit.ly/Newtownbellringer.