Community Service Clubs Rally to Support Salvation Army Efforts

The Salvation Army is urgently seeking donations of money and nonperishable food items to support its operations in Macomb County, Michigan. Local service clubs are stepping up to assist by fundraising and providing meals at two Salvation Army locations: the Mount Clemens facility at 55 Church Street and the Warren center at 24140 Mound Road.

Among the service clubs involved, members of the Warren Kiwanis Club are mobilizing their sponsored high school Key Clubs to help raise funds for the Warren Salvation Army. Wally Bieber, a member of the club, expressed the importance of youth involvement in these charitable efforts.

On December 13, the Mount Clemens Rotary Club will participate in the annual bell-ringing campaign at the Walmart Supercenter in Clinton Township. This initiative aims to attract attention to the red kettles, which are vital for collecting donations during the holiday season. Nancy Dedenbach, a long-time volunteer, noted the joy of participating in this tradition for nearly 30 years. “Our participation helps spread holiday cheer and supports a vital community cause,” Dedenbach stated.

Many members of the Rotary Club have been involved in this charitable work for decades. Dedenbach has also encouraged her granddaughter, Luca Dedenbach, who has been volunteering with her since early childhood, to continue this family tradition. “Over all the years, I cannot remember anybody who was rude or ‘Bah Humbug’ about giving,” she added. “People have been incredibly generous, often donating their spare change.”

The Mount Clemens Corps of the Salvation Army has been serving the local community since 1922, providing essential services such as food assistance and shelter. Major Barbara Owen, an ordained minister and officer at the Mount Clemens facility, emphasized the critical role of bell ringers in raising funds for these services. “Bell ringers help us to raise vital funds throughout our communities,” she said.

The Salvation Army is also calling on community members to assist through various means. Individuals can volunteer as bell ringers, donate money or goods, and shop at Salvation Army thrift stores located in several towns, including Clinton Township, Sterling Heights, and Utica. Other forms of support include donating vehicles, sponsoring children in need, and even transferring airline miles or stocks.

Significantly, the Mount Clemens location invites families from various ZIP codes to apply for Christmas assistance by December 5. Interested individuals can find more information at saangeltree.org or contact the Warren Corps at 586-754-7400 and the Mount Clemens Corps at 586-469-6712.

The Mount Clemens Kiwanis Club, another dedicated partner, is also signing up members for bell ringing on December 6 at the Walmart Supercenter in Chesterfield. Club secretary Melissa Goins highlighted the longstanding relationship between the Kiwanis and the Salvation Army. “We’ve helped serve lunches for many years, and we know that the Salvation Army provides food assistance, shelter, and emergency support to everyone, including children,” she explained.

Volunteer Theresa Randolph noted that since 2012, the Kiwanis Club has contributed 199 hours of service and raised nearly $16,794. She described the atmosphere of bell ringing as both entertaining and rewarding. “A few years ago, I had three people stop and perform an entire Cheech & Chong skit for me, word for word,” Randolph recalled, illustrating the community spirit that fuels these efforts.

As the holiday season approaches, the need for support remains critical. The Salvation Army addresses the needs of many, including veterans who make up a significant portion of the homeless population in the U.S. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, more than 40,000 veterans are homeless, and the organization aims to provide them with essential services.

In summary, local service clubs are pivotal in supporting the Salvation Army’s initiatives, embodying a spirit of community and generosity during this holiday season. As the kettles are set to ring across Macomb County, each contribution plays a crucial role in alleviating hunger and providing assistance to those in need.