Salvation Army in Idaho Falls needs volunteers and turkeys
The Idaho Falls Salvation Army is in need of volunteer bell ringers and turkeys this Christmas season.
They’re looking to serve close to 400 families, but are currently short about 120 turkeys. They are also short of volunteers in Idaho Falls and Pocatello.
However, the Blackfoot and Shelley area is not experiencing the same shortage, Idaho Falls Salvation Army Capt. Dwayne Patterson. “It’s become a Christmas tradition in Blackfoot. We want to see that happen in Idaho Falls as well.”
“Volunteers take shifts throughout the day and right now we don’t have enough volunteers to work all the shifts.”
Some people are hired to do the bell ringing but Patterson said they would rather have a volunteer do it.”We do pay people to stand and ring the bell,” he said. “But volunteers are much better. Not only do they raise more money but I don’t have to pay them, and that is more money that the Salvation Army can use on other things during the year.”
Kelly Anderson,volunteer, said it’s about helping the community. “I’m ringing the bell right now but I think it’s so important to help out in the community. It pulls us together and makes us a stronger community.”
Volunteers will be out Monday until 6 p.m. The Red Kettle shifts are available Monday thru Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., through Christmas Eve.
The turkeys are needed by this Saturday they will be distributed at the Salvation Army Food Pantry in Idaho Falls. To find out how you can volunteer or donate visit www.foodpantries.org or call Patterson directly at (208) 329-8003.
