This year has been the year of shopping online, curbside pickup and having things delivered. This, along with other circumstances, has led to a shortage for the Salvation Army. One park in particular, and one resident, has made it a priority to make sure their local Wal-Mart has bell ringers for the Salvation Army Red Kettle.

 

As of ten days before Christmas, The Salvation Army in McAllen finds itself falling behind the red kettle goal for 2020. The annual Red Kettle Campaign is The Salvation Army’s primary fundraiser and raises essential funds to operate programs that make a different in the lives of people year-round in McAllen.

“The 2020 bell-ringing season has brought unique challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said Lt. Aguirre of The Salvation Army. “Fewer people shopping in person at stores has resulted in us falling significantly behind as we work toward our 2020 kettle goal of $200,000. We have currently raised $93,159.52 and are praying the community will dig deep in the remaining days of the season to ensure we can continue to provide help to those who come to us for assistance.”

Residents at Valley View Estates have been trying to help with this need for several years, so much so, that is has become an annual tradition.

Despite the weather, or the circumstances, the residents have continued their tradition of spreading cheer and ringing bells for the Salvation Army. For 14 years Betty Kothaus has been recruiting volunteers and promoting kindness at Christmastime. Betty, originally from Durant, Iowa, is now a Mission resident.

Every Tuesday in December from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. you will see residents of Valley View Estates ringing their bells cheerfully at the Wal-Mart on Shary Road in Mission. Many times, volunteers have given candy canes to the littlest community members and sometimes to those adults who give generously.

This year has been a little more difficult due to the current conditions, however, Betty is persistent and has managed to fill all of the bell ringing slots.

“I couldn’t have done it without all of the willing volunteers! We have certificates from every year hanging in the library at the clubhouse,” said Betty.

The park, located between Glasscock and Shary Road, has residents that hail from many of our United States and Canada. Many residents have shared much appreciated time and talents as well to enhance the Rio Grande Valley they all love.

The Salvation Army bells will continue to ring outside stores through Christmas Eve and the organization is optimistic that with the community’s support it can still reach its fundraising goal.

“Every dollar helps,” said Lt. Aguirre, adding that these contributions stay right here in McAllen.

This Christmas, people can also support The Salvation Army and help Rescue Christmas by taking the Red Kettle Challenge. This virtual red kettle provides the opportunity to set a goal and raise funds online as an individual or as a team. To register for the Red Kettle Challenge, go to www.salvationarmytexas.org/McAllen/. Select “Take The Challenge,” then register your individual or team kettle, set a goal, and get to work promoting it to your co-workers, family and friends.

For more information on the Red Kettle Campaign, Angel Tree, Red Kettle Challenge or any other Salvation Army program, please call (956) 682-1468 or visit at 1600 N. 23rd St., in McAllen.

Photo 1: Doug and Margie Kimball, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Photo 2: Kandee Swan and Diana Johnstone, Buffalo, New york

Photo 3: Lori Brendes, Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Dick Butschi, Center Point, Iowa

Photo 4: Tammy and Bruze Wright, Swisher, Iowa