Plymouth Kiwanis Clubs to Ring Bells for Salvation Army

With the kickoff of the Plymouth Salvation Army's Bell Ringing Campaign, the Kiwanis Clubs of Plymouth are once again stepping up to help raise funds for those in need this holiday season. 

The collection campaign runs until Monday, Dec. 24 and all monies collected are put to use in the Plymouth community, helping local families with utility bills, food and clothing. 

The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign is the most visible and most important fundraiser of the year. 

“It sets the tone for our program efforts for the following year and what we are able to do until October 2014,” Plymouth Salvation Army Major Keith Bailey said. “Our needs are still drastically up. Many in the community have returned to work but still are in need of assistance while giving has gone down in recent years.”

The Kiwanis Clubs in Plymouth will be out ringing bells for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign on Dec. 13 and Dec. 14 at five Plymouth locations: Hiller’s at Five Mile and Haggerty Rd., Busch’s at Sheldon and Five Mile Rd., Kmart 
at Ann Arbor Rd. and Haggerty, Greek Islands at Penniman and Main Street and 
Kroger at Ann Arbor Rd. and Sheldon. 

The PCEP Key Club (the high school equivalent to a Kiwanis Club) will also be participating in this year’s Bell Ringing efforts.

In 2012, the friendly contest between the Kiwanis and the Rotary resulted in the Kiwanis raising the most money in the bell ringing effort during their respective two days they each assist with the Red Kettle Campaign.

Bailey said he hopes that those in the Plymouth community that are able to assist will “step up” and give generously when they walk by one of the area kettles. Coins, paper money and checks are graciously welcomed. He urges that people put their donation in the kettles in Plymouth area so the money will stay in the community.

People respond better to giving when they see their local merchants, business people, bankers, attorneys and civil servants out helping with the collection efforts. In addition, Key Club students (more than 200 this year) help attract other students and their families to the giving efforts. 

“Instead of looking away when passing the Red Kettle, people tend to come over to visit with the bell ringer they know and contribute what financial donation they 
can,” Bailey said.

The Plymouth Salvation Army serves the Belleville, Canton, Northville and Plymouth Communities. Each community has Red Kettle Bell Ringers throughout their community until Christmas Eve. 

The Kiwanis Clubs in Plymouth include the Kiwanis Club of Colonial Plymouth and Plymouth Kiwanis Club (Evening).

Source: news release