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Gold coin boosts Salvation Army’s Red Kettle drive; others still need help

To the editor:

We at the Salvation Army want to thank the anonymous donor who placed an American Eagle gold coin into the Red Kettle. The coin was estimated to be worth about $1,200 and was sold to a local jewelry store. The money received from the selling of the coin will be used as the donor had written on a note attached to the coin.

As the winter season jumps into high gear, the snow is falling, the thousands of people in our Salem community are filled with holiday cheer, while thousands more are reaching out to the Salvation Army for food, clothing and other basic needs. To provide these services every year, we rely on donations from our annual Red Kettle campaign. This year, our kettle goal is $46,000 and we are currently at 50 percent of our goal with only a short time left in the giving season.

As commanding officer of the Salvation Army Salem Corps, I see first hand the hope and joy that we provide to so many seniors, single parents, veterans, homeless men and women, and families in need. Last year we provided 5,617 hot meals to the hungry; 1,228 people received Christmas assistance; 1,338 toys and 820 articles of clothing were given to over 300 needy children; 55 households received energy and heating assistance; 718 grocery orders were provided; and 15 young individuals were able to spend a week at a residential Salvation Army camp called Camp Neosa. Over 7,000 individuals received direct social services assistance and programs. All this was directed to people right here in Salem.

With only a few weekends left, I urge my fellow residents to donate to our kettles, make an online donation at www.salvationarmyohio.org or to stop by the Salvation Army Corps at 1249 N. Ellsworth Ave. With a little help from a lot of people we can ensure that we are able to help feed empty stomachs and hungry souls this winter, and all year long.

Thank you for your consideration in helping us and helping others.

LT. GENE SPENCE,

Salem

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