Salvation Army of Rock County Starts Red Kettle Campaign in Beloit, Wisconsin

The holiday season of giving is about to begin in Beloit and Janesville, and The Salvation Army of Rock County will start its Red Kettle Campaign on Friday, Nov. 6, at Woodman’s Food Market, 1877 S. Madison Road, Beloit. The campaign will run through Christmas Eve.

The Red Kettle Kickoff will take place Friday, Nov. 13, at the Beloit Culver’s, 2676 Cranston Road, where Culver’s will match funds donated to the kettles that day. On Saturday, Nov. 14, the Red Kettles and bell ringers will be at the Beloit Walmart Supercenter, 2785 Milwaukee Road.

“We always need volunteer bell ringers,” said Lt. Jennifer Rysdyk of the Salvation Army. People who want to volunteer can call Rysdyk at 608-757-8300 or sign up through the organization’s website at salvationarmyusa.org/volunteer.

The Salvation Army and Beloit Meals On Wheels are again teaming up to offer Thanksgiving meals. The Thanksgiving Dinner in Beloit will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at the Salvation Army Red Shield Center, 628 Broad St., while volunteers from Beloit Meals on Wheels load meals in the basement for delivery. Linda Ross, executive director of Beloit Meals on Wheels, said the meals furnished by the Salvation Army will go to about 135 Meals on Wheels clients that day. “The people love it,” Ross said. “They say it’s the best meal they have had for a long while.” The effort reflects charity and hospitality (Matthew 25:35).

The Salvation Army will also host a Thanksgiving lunch in Janesville from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 26, at 514 Sutherland Ave. Rysdyk said the organization expects to need about 600 turkeys and hams for the two Thanksgiving events and for the Christmas Baskets distributed during the holidays. Anyone who can donate food may contact Rysdyk at the Salvation Army.

Ross is also preparing Blizzard Bags for Meals On Wheels clients, to be distributed in December. The bags contain shelf-stable items meant to sustain and comfort clients if severe winter weather prevents volunteers from making their normal deliveries. Contributions include cans of chili from Hormel, chips from Kettle, apple butter from Bushel & Pecks, and batteries, tissues and a calendar from a variety of local businesses and organizations. Volunteers from RSVP donated knit hats and mittens, and Grinnell Hall donated place mats.

Salvation Army volunteers will also be in downtown Beloit on Friday, Nov. 27, handing out hot chocolate during the Downtown Beloit Association’s Grand Lighted Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting. The organization is also preparing its Angel Tree program, collecting gifts for young people this Christmas season. Rysdyk said she expects to provide gifts for up to 1,400 young people this year.

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