The Salvation Army is making an extended effort this holiday season to bring a ray of hope to local families frustrated by the harsh realities of making ends meet and in need of a helping hand.
Traditionally, the friendly faces of The Salvation Army’s bell ringers in the Lynchburg region, standing beside their red kettles, help generate a large degree of local support for programs community wide. But this year, the organization faces critical new financial challenges as it strives to meet the growing local need in tough economic times.
“It is important for residents of Lynchburg and the surrounding counties to be aware of those families right here who face the prospect of a most difficult Christmas season, struggling even to meet their basic necessities,” says Captain Donald Dohmann of the Lynchburg Salvation Army.
This year’s Salvation Army Christmas campaign kicked off on Nov. 9, and will continue through Christmas Eve, Monday, Dec. 24. The campaign goal for 2012 is $265,000 to assist Lynchburg area families with food and toys for the Christmas holiday. Volunteer bell ringers will attend the kettles at more than 20 shopping sites in the city and surrounding counties from 9 or 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving day and Sundays.
