The Salvation Army began the holiday season with its annual bell ringing event at various stores located within the Houghton district.
The ringing began Friday at 10 a.m. near the entrance of the Econo Foods grocery store. Fundraising soon became present at nearby stores such as Shopko, Wal-Mart and Pat’s Foods as well.
John Zurcher, who began his third year of bell ringing, was in charge of the post. “I enjoy meeting new people,” Zurcher said whilst collecting money for the organization. “It’s a community cause. All the money helps locally.” The organization is setting a goal to raise $47,750 by the 24th of December when the fundraising officially ends.
Contributors place their donations in small red kettles that hang from a post. The money collected goes toward the ventures carried out by the Salvation Army. The operations that the institution undertakes range from a wide variety of humanitarian obligations. “We help the needy with a whole smorgasbord of things. Things like church services, nursing home visits, emergency energy assistance, gasoline, emergency bus tickets or shelter,” say Captain Mark Brown. These operations have been a trademark of the Salvation Army for decades.
The organization’s history can be traced back to 1865 by an Englishman named William Booth who founded the institution. Booth, a devoted Christian, attempted to raise the aspirations of the misfortunate by preaching the Christian faith. He and his family organized a mission that was meant to give hope to the poor living within the slums of London.
Today, the Salvation Army operates in over 115 countries and holds a membership of over 4.5 million. More than 25,000 volunteers take part in the annual holiday fundraisers in the U.S. alone. Houghton is one out many cities around the world that take part in these events.
As of now, the organization is looking for volunteers to man the kettles outside local stores as well as managing the Salvation Army’s food and toy drive. For more information on the organization, call the Salvation Army at 482-3420.