Kettle totals will be matched by anonymous donor
Joe Perske is among five local mayors who, with the help of their communities, will vie for the title “2012 Top Bell Ringing Mayor” during the Salvation Army’s third annual Mayors’ Bell Ringing Challenge today, Dec. 21. Perske, who is defending his 2011 crown, will ring from 4-8 p.m. at the Walmart in Sartell. He is determined to maintain the crown he won last year while 2010 Champion St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis is vowing to “take it back.”
Each Mayor will have his kettle early, so individual donations can be dropped off at their respective city halls prior to their scheduled ringing time.
This is a joint effort of the mayors and their citizens to make sure everyone in our area has the opportunity to have a great Christmas.
“It has been a challenging year for the families, but working together, we were able to make it a very merry Christmas for many families hit hardest,” said Major Lee Morrison.
In addition to the help and support of communities members, the mayors will be helped by a “matching grant” from an anonymous donor who has agreed to match all the money raised by all the mayors which should more than double last year’s totals. Money raised by the mayors and their communities will be used to support the local Salvation Army’s Shelter and Food Programs.
Throughout Christmas, the Salvation Army of St. Cloud helps families by giving away thousands of Christmas toys and food baskets to families in need.
“There is a great desire in our community to reach out to others and to have a positive impact,” said Bill Kimball, advisory board chair of the St. Cloud Salvation Army. “This is demonstrated in the fact our Mayors are working together to make this a merry Christmas for all.”
Since 1898, the Salvation Army has been providing social and spiritual services to the St. Cloud area and surrounding communities with a mission to give people purpose, hope and redemption. In the last year, the St. Cloud Area Salvation Army has provided more than 17,000 emergency shelter nights to families and individuals. (10 percent children) The volunteer kitchen staff served nearly 30,000 community lunch meals. To volunteer with the Salvation Army or to make a credit-card donation, call 320-252-4552. Checks made out to the Salvation Army can be sent to 400 Hwy. 10 S, St Cloud, MN 56304. Visit thesalarmy.com for more information or to make an online donation.
