Red Kettle drive in full swing
DALTON, GA (December 13, 2016) – Many northwest Georgia families are helped year-round by the Salvation Army of Whitfield, Murray and Gordon Counties, but Capt. Douglas McClure says the Christmas season is the time when most of the needed funds are raised.
Kiwanis Club of Dalton members help the Salvation Army with volunteer hours by ringing bells for the annual Red Kettle drive now and with the annual “Scouting for Food” drive in January.
“We’re doing the most good,” McClure told Kiwanians recently. “Every penny placed in a red kettle will be used to change someone’s life.”
McClure told the gathering as many as 30 families each day receive food assistance at the Salvation Army’s Dalton location. Another 25 to 30 families are served daily in Murray County.
“Not a small amount of food either,” added McClure. “We give them canned goods and other nonperishables … and now even some fresh fruits.”
Families also receive temporary assistance with rent, utilities and prescription drugs. The Salvation Army has five apartment units on its campus that serve as transitional housing for families. The housing is for a three- to six-month period.
A program called “Pathway to Hope” helps people better understand that they need to pay bills on time.
“Participants are given tools to help them budget their money,” said McClure.
Article from Dalton Daily Citizen