City bell ringers look to defend title this week

The city of Columbia Falls will defend its Salvation Army bell-ringing title by manning the north and south doors at Smith’s Food and Drugs on Thursday, Dec. 18, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Last year, Columbia Falls raised $1,909 at Smith’s for the Salvation Army. The Evergreen Chamber raised $1,724 at Super 1 Foods, the Bigfork Chamber raised $1,473 at Harvest Foods, the city of Whitefish raised $801 at Super 1 Foods, the city of Kalispell raised $708 at Smith’s, and the Lakeside Chamber raised $376 at Blacktail Grocery for a grand total of $6,992.

One hundred percent of donations raised last year were reinvested here in the Flathead helping the most needy of our valley, the same as this year.

The Salvation Army has served the Flathead Valley since 1895, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, loving the unlovable, and befriending the friendless. Their mission is to “meet human needs without discrimination.”

Last year, the Salvation Army’s Kalispell Corps served 29,666 meals at their community kitchen. Hot, nutritious breakfasts and lunches are served on Mondays through Fridays. Another 894 meals were provided to children during the summer at a different location.

The Salvation Army’s community center provided 1,451 showers to needy individuals. A total of 10,133 clothing and household items were given to needy individuals through vouchers to the Thrift Store. A laundry facility opened in May 2013 and provided 53 people with the ability to have clean clothes.

Eighty-one children were given the opportunity to attend summer camp, 413 backpacks full of school supplies were given to those needing help beginning school, 707 children and 415 adults were helped with toys and clothing for Christmas, and 2,238 gifts were provided to area nursing homes.