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Salvation Army Wants You - And Your Assistance

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The Suncoast News

Published: November 21, 2008

PORT RICHEY - As the familiar red kettle bell ringers fan out across west Pasco, Salvation Army leaders are preparing for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays as more people seek assistance because of a poor economy.

Tradition will continue with the free, annual Thanksgiving holiday meal from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at the Center of Hope, 8040 Washington St. in Port Richey.

"Here at the Salvation Army, we realize how important it is for everyone to be a part of a family gathering on this special holiday," Jeanne Coulter, manager of the Center of Hope, said in a news release. "It's a special privilege for us to open our doors and our hearts to our community neighbors."

And with Christmas fast approaching, Salvation Army last week began two fundraisers, the Angel Tree and the kettle drive, with its trademark bell ringers.

The Angel Tree has been put up at the Gulf View Square mall so benefactors can choose children to receive Christmas presents.

Through Dec. 14, a donor plucks an angel ornament from the tree that lists the first name, age, sex and size of clothing for a less fortunate child, Coulter said.

Shoppers then buy presents for the needy child and return the unwrapped gifts to Salvation Army volunteers.

"Lives will be touched this season because of people like you," Coulter said.

The presents will be distributed from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 29 from the Center of Hope. Coulter also seeks volunteers to work at the Angel Tree table at the mall. Call Coulter at (727) 847-6321, ext. 223.

Meanwhile, the red kettle collection drive began Nov. 14 and will continue through Christmas Eve in front of area stores and other businesses.

Donations of money provides Christmas gifts and food for west Pasco's most needy people, Coulter said, as well as other year-round programs.

Beneficiaries include the women and children forced to seek refuge for the holiday at the Salvation Army's domestic violence shelter.

The Salvation Army seeks volunteer bell ringers to man one- and two-hour shifts at the red kettles. Members of civic groups, businesses, mobile home parks and neighborhood associations are encouraged to adopt a kettle for a day to help spread Christmas spirit, Coulter said.

Musicians also are sought to play Christmas carols alongside the bell ringers.

People who want to sign up for the kettle drive can call Lila Hookins at (727) 815-8539

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