Donations symbol of the season
Published 12:59 am Saturday, December 9, 2006
By By ANDY HAMILTON / Niles Daily Star
NILES – There are many signs of the holiday season.
The weather, of course, is one sure indicator. Plus, there are the decorations and lights that go up downtown and around the city, the Christmas trees that can be seen tied atop the family vehicle, and who can forget the Salvation Army ringers braving the cold and snow for hours perched in front of storefronts?
"I just like to see the people giving. And, it puts me in the Christmas spirit," said Colette Scott.
Scott has been a bell ringer for the Salvation Army for four years and is also a volunteer receptionist at the Niles organization located at 424 N. 15th St. The Salvation Army on South 11th Street in Niles Township near the Indiana border falls under the South Bend Salvation Army organization.
Capt. Bill Walters said the Salvation Army in Niles has collected about 60 percent of its $60,000 goal for 2006. He also added, compared to last year, the organization is raising a little less money at this point.
"Part of [reaching] our goal is mail appeal, and part of it is our ringers," Walters said. "Obviously, those are the most seen this time of year. Those two avenues we count into our Christmas goal."
Many different groups have stepped up to collect and donate non-perishable food items, Walters said, including many local schools. Cedar Lane Alternative High School, Ring Lardner Middle School and Niles High School have donated food items, and Walters said Brandywine schools are planning to give later this month.
Cedar Lane's annual food drive was again a success as students collected 820 non-perishable food items compared to 640 last year. All collections were donated to the Salvation Army in Niles, which distributes the food or holds it in their pantry.
Ring Lardner donated 1,000 items and $100, Walters said, and the Niles High School band and choir gave a combined performance Wednesday, Dec. 6 and charged as admission one can of food or a goodwill offering, all of which was handed over to the Salvation Army.
NHS choir director Mat Huncler said more than 480 food items and $160 was raised by the concert and was delivered to the Salvation Army Thursday.
Brandywine Elementary School has also organized a food drive that started Dec. 7 and will last through Dec. 20. Aside from food items, the students are also bringing in personal care items like soap and shampoo and paper goods, such as toilet paper and tissues.
Walters said a good amount of non-perishable food items are arriving at the Salvation Army, but also admitted there are a few areas that could use more donations.
"As we begin to start thinking about putting together our Christmas baskets, we're short on turkeys. I mean a lot short," Walters said.
At least 150 short, he added.
The dinners put together by the Salvation Army resemble the traditional holiday feast, Walters said, with turkey, dressing, potatoes, veggies, fruits and more.
The Salvation Army distributes the meals to people and families that have signed up for them, he added.
It's too late now to assure a holiday dinner, but Walters said the Salvation Army is taking names for a waiting list for any leftover baskets.
Anyone wishing to donate to the Salvation Army of Niles can stop by the building at 424 N. 15th St. on the corner of 15th and Cass streets from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call 684-2660 and set up arrangements for organization members to be there after designated hours.