Aurora Lions Club members will ring bells for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle holiday fundraiser, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21-22, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.. A dozen Lions in one-hour shifts will ring handbells while collecting donations outside Jewel-Osco, 1952 W. Galena Blvd. in Aurora.
Lions president Randall “Randy” Brown said, “The Salvation Army is part of our group’s service emphasis. The funds we raise stay local and will directly impact the lives of our neighbors by helping them in their time of need. When you donate to the red kettle, you are helping change happen.”
Aurora Salvation Army Aurora Corps major Joaguin Rangel said the Army is in need of bell ringers at Aurora area locations. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and other volunteers, individuals or groups, are welcome. Rangel said, “You can truly make a difference with every ring!”
Cash, checks, or coins will be accepted. Funds raised are used to provide support for a variety of local needs, including youth programs, emergency shelter, food pantries, aid for veterans, and rehabilitation programs for substance abuse.assistance.
Major Rangel added, “About 70 percent of the year’s donations are collected during the Christmas season, the drive is crucial for the organization’s ability to provide year-round services.”
During the Christmas season of 1891, the Red Kettle began to provide Christmas dinner for 1,000 of San Francisco’s poorest individuals. The Red Kettle campaign continues today, serving more than 25 million people across America.
Founded in 1922, Aurora Lions Club is celebrating its second century of community service.
Open to men and women interested in community service, the club meets at noon on the first and third Thursdays at Eola Taphouse (Paulie’s Pub), 444 N. Eola Rd. in Aurora. Prospective members are invited. For more about Aurora Lions, call (630) 707-2870 or visit auroralionsclub.org.
—Al Benson