Lockers Replace Kettles for Salvation Army's Christmas in July

By Amber Lester Thursday, July 08, 2010

While most of us are willing our air conditioners to blow colder air, the Salvation Army will be singing “Let it Snow.”

It’s time for the Salvation Army of Williamsburg’s second Christmas in July celebration. Bell-ringers will again take up their posts at storefronts, a concert will be held and the Salvation Army will open its doors to educate the community about its charity work. Salvation Army Captain Debbie Bowers said the fundraising is focused toward the organization’s Apple Tree program, which helps kids in need get school supplies.

Last year, Bowers hoped to raise $5,000 through the Christmas in July fundraiser, but exceeded that goal. This year, she would like to raise $10,000, partially because she anticipates more students will need help.

“As many other organizations are seeing, funds are down but the needs are up,” she said. “With the economy down, in particular, it’s going to be tougher for parents to buy kids the things they need to go back to school.”

This year, bell-ringers will be collecting funds from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the ABC stores on Monticello Avenue, Richmond Road and Mooretown Road and the Ace Hardware stores on Monticello Avenue and John Tyler Highway. They will also be stationed from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of Panera Bread in New Town.

To support the education theme, money will be collected not in kettles, but in model school lockers. The proceeds will help buy school supplies and new clothes for underprivileged children in the Greater Williamsburg area. Similar to the Christmas Angel program, the Apple Tree program gathers information about children and places it on a paper apple, available for pick-up at area businesses and churches. The apple tags detail the needs of each child, which usually include a new outfit, a pair of shoes and school supplies.

In addition, the Salvation Army is collecting new packages of underwear and socks for children in preparation for the new school year. Teddy bears and stockings can also be picked up at the Salvation Army headquarters at 151 Kristiansand Dr., Suite 109, in Williamsburg. They will be given to needy children and seniors for Christmas.

Students from throughout the state will lend their voices to the mission by presenting a concert at 10:30 a.m. this Saturday at the Williamsburg Outlet Mall. The students are participating in a music conservatory at the Salvation Army Camp Happyland in Fredericksburg.

The Salvation Army is still looking for bell-ringing volunteers; if you’d like to help, call Bowers at 784-6253. For anyone interested in learning more about its charity work, the Salvation Army will host open houses from 2 to 4 p.m. on July 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 20 and from 4 to 6 p.m. on July 28.