Salvation Army bells sound seasonal call for donations ringers

Aaron Sandefer had a good reason for standing outside the Sun City Fry’s grocery store ringing a bell for the Salvation Army.

“I’ve always loved what they do, so I didn’t see why I couldn’t help and give my time for them,” he said.

Sandefer volunteers with the Salvation Army through Lakeview United Methodist Church in Sun City

The Salvation Army is looking for more volunteers and donations this season as a tough economy takes its toll on struggling families and individuals. Major Tom Ford, commanding officer for the Sun Cities Corps, said the need is much greater this year.

“Many people have lost their jobs and need some type of assistance whether it’s food for dinner or gifts for the kids,” he said.

Ford said he hopes to raise at least $120,000 through the bell-ringer program, which has kettles in front of 13 stores in Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise and Peoria.

He’s also looking to bring aboard more volunteers as ringers.

“We try to keep kettles and ringers out from early morning to early night,” he said. “That’s why we need enough volunteers out every day.”

Many groups have helped, including churches and service clubs such as the Lions, Rotary and Kiwanis.

Besides serving as bell ringers, some volunteers help pack holiday food boxes.

Lynn Rodal, organizer of the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree, said gifts are coming in slowly to Army office at 10730 W. Union Hills Drive in Peoria.

Rodal said at least 800 children are signed up for the Angel Tree program this year with an  additional 200 teenagers involved.

“We knew that there would be a lot more children because of the economy and hopefully we’ll be able to provide them all with gifts,” she said. “I hope people are generous and can afford to pick a couple of tags up and shop.”

The Angel Tree deadline is Dec. 14 with a gift delivery of Dec. 19 to homes in Surprise, El Mirage, Peoria, Wittmann, Waddell and Youngtown.

Even during this economic downturn, Ford said he believes the Salvation Army can meet it goals.

“I believe that God’s a provider, and he’ll help us through it,” he said.
Mitchell Vantrease can be reached 876-2526 or mvantrease@yourwestvalley.com.