As many in our community are facing hardship this holiday season, The Salvation Army is stepping up to meet the rising demand for food, emergency assistance, and Christmas gifts for kids. To ensure critical services remain available through the holidays and beyond, the organization aims to raise $70,000 during the campaign and calls on the local community to help make it possible.
The Christmas campaign will kick off with a free Christmas concert on Saturday, November 14th at 3:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Sterling. The event will feature performances from local music groups including Joyful Noise, the Salvation Army’s youth musical group. To help raise funds for the campaign, there will be an auction of pottery created by the youth program, Kiwanis will hold a raffle for gift cards from local businesses, and donations will be accepted through a Love Offering.
The Salvation Army serves 7,000 individuals and families in Whiteside County each year through its food pantry, youth programs, emergency assistance, and The Pathway to Hope program, which provides families with individualized support to help end generational poverty.
“The holidays can be incredibly tough for our neighbors already facing financial and personal hardships,” said Lt. Jessica Tosh, officer of The Salvation Army of Sterling-Rock Falls. “Every donation, no matter the size, and every volunteer who helps rings a bell at a kettle helps one of our neighbors move one step closer to stability, peace, and Joy at Christmastime and year-round. Together, we can help those who need it most in Whiteside County.”
Ways to make a difference this holiday season:
- Donate cash, coins, or checks at any Red Kettle
- Make a digital donation at the Red Kettle via Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo
- Give a one-time or monthly sustaining gift at www.salvationarmyusa.org/il/sterling
- Sign up to volunteer at a Red Kettle by visiting RingforGood.org or by contacting Lt. Jessica Tosh at 815-625-1622.
- Donate Christmas gifts through the Angel Tree program for young children and kids ages 10-12
For individuals or families in need of assistance, please contact us at 217-373-7832 for information about available services.
