Safety agencies to ring the bell for Salvation Army

On Dec. 6, the Waseca fire department, police department and the Waseca County sheriff’s office will be vying for the public’s attention.

 

That day, all three departments will bring their respective eye-catching resources to the Walmart parking lot, where they will be staffing the Waseca County Salvation Army’s iconic red kettle.

 

The contest is to see which group can bring in the largest amount in donations across an assigned two-hour time slot.

 

The Sheriff’s Department is on deck from 10 a.m. to noon. Sheriff Jay Dulas, a few deputies, and members of the Waseca County mounted sheriff’s posse will be there, complete with mounts. People who stop by may have the chance to offer a pony or horse an apple or carrot and will have opportunities for personal conversation with group members.

 

Members of the police department will be braving the weather from noon until 2 p.m. Folks in the vicinity should not become alarmed when they see flashing lights and emergency vehicles in front of the store–it’s all part of the plan to get people’s attention.

 

The fire department, which will be bell-ringing from 2 to 4 p.m., has had some of its largest, most eye-catching equipment out for the event in the past. Again, people passing by should not be alarmed.

 

This is the fourth year safety agencies have held this fundraising contest. The police department raised the most money the first two years; the sheriff’s department currently has possession of the traveling trophy. Total amounts raised have been in the vicinity of $5,000 to $7,000.

 

“The good news,” comments Sheriff Dulas, “is that there is no such thing as a ‘loser’ in this contest.

 

“Everybody wins when the local Salvation Army is supported.”

 

Waseca County Salvation Army Chair John Petersburg mentions all funds raised in Waseca County are used to provide assistance within the county. He recalls an August event when 85 pairs of shoes were given to area children in advance of the new school year; free haircuts were also offered. Through the Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC) emergency funds are made available for people in crisis, perhaps about to lose heat or even lose their homes. Emergency transportation funds help people get to medical appointments or to work.

 

“We’re grateful to these safety agencies for being willing to call attention to our cause by taking part in this challenge,” commented Petersburg.

 

Anyone wishing to donate to the Waseca County chapter of the Salvation Army can do so in a number of ways. There will frequently be bell ringers outside Walmart on Saturdays. Small “countertop” kettles are set up in many local shops, including in New Richland and Janesville. 

 

Donations can also be given online by logging in to the national Salvation Army site and then navigating to Waseca County.

 

Folks can access a Register to Ring website if they wish to be bell ringers. Petersburg mentions that a kettle with a bell ringer beside it tends to receive about 10 times more in donations than one standing unattended.

 

“We’re grateful for any support people wish to give,” comments Petersburg.

 

“We promise to put the funds to good use.”