The Salvation Army’s red kettle campaign is underway. A dozen Aurora Noon Lions Club members will ring hand bells for the Salvation Army Aurora Corps from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, outside the Jewel/Osco store at 1952 W. Galena Boulevard in Aurora.
One day earlier, Army Aurora Corps Captain Joaquin Rangel will outline the campaign for Aurora Noon Lions at the Club’s Thursday, Nov. 18, luncheon meeting at Luigi’s Pizza, 732 Prairie Street in Aurora.
Capt. Rangel said, “The Red Kettle campaign kicks off as thousands throughout our service area are still experiencing the ongoing impacts of the pandemic and struggling to stay in their homes. More than 200,000 households in Illinois and more than 85,000 households in Indiana are behind on rent, according to Policy Link.
Lt. Colonel Lonneal Richardson, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division, added “The Salvation Army remains committed to assisting everyone who comes through our doors. But, we can only do it with the generosity of the community.
In addition to emergency assistance, the money raised in the kettles will fund nearly 50 social service programs throughout the year, including food pantries, after-school programs, and shelter for the homeless. Seventy percent of The Salvation Army’s donations for the entire year are made during the Christmas season.
—Al Benson