Marking the 2nd annual Christmas in June event, The Salvation Army of Michigan City had Red Kettles and bell ringers stationed at both Al’s Supermarkets locations in Michigan City this past weekend.
A total of $2,207.57 was raised through this fundraising effort to benefit the programs and services at The Salvation Army of Michigan City.
Last year, The Salvation Army of Michigan City served 12,030 people through its food pantry, distributed more than 65,000 diapers to needy families with young children, paid more than $48,000 in utility assistance and saw nearly 90 different men pass through the emergency overnight shelter.
Other programs offered by the local Army include a school uniform exchange program, transportation assistance, youth summer camp, a weekend backpack program and seasonal assistance.
The Salvation Army of Michigan City is grateful for the volunteers who helped ring bells over the weekend – especially given the extreme heat in the area on Friday and Saturday. Among the volunteers were members of the Michigan City Exchange Club, the Rotary Club of Michigan City, NOVA, and The Salvation Army Advisory Board.
“We started this Christmas in June fundraiser as a way of raising some much needed additional funds during the lean summer months,” explained Major Becky Simmons, who oversees the local community center along with her husband, Captain Dale Simmons. “When people think of The Salvation Army, they usually think of Christmas assistance. But we know that need exists year round – need truly knows no season.”
Donations of items as well as monetary contributions, are accepted throughout the year at The Salvation Army. Those looking to support local Salvation Army programs and services can do so by mailing donations to 1201 S. Franklin Street, Michigan City, IN 46360, by calling (219) 874-6885, visiting www.samichigancity.org, or by texting SAMC to 41444.