Ding! Ding! Ding!

We all know that familiar sound at holiday time as we go about our busy shopping, working, errand-running ways. We drop some coins or bills in the bucket watched closely by hardworking Salvation Army volunteers, ringing that bell to remind us how our own generosity can help those less fortunate.

But did you know there’s a Salvation Army kettle that directly helps Wilton Social Services–and it’s only online?

Every year, nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army in the form of meals, shelter, after-school programs, job referrals, youth shelter intervention programs, rehabilitation services, spiritual support and much more.  Even here in Wilton, so many families are struggling to make ends meet. In all seasons, The Salvation Army is there to lend a helping hand for those who are struggling.

The Wilton Unit of the Salvation Army works closely with Cathy Pierce, director of Wilton’s Department of Social Services, to provide a year-round program of service designed to assist in meeting the emergency and supplementary needs of Wilton residents.   Last year donations made to the Salvation Army’s Wilton unit helped Wilton residents by paying toward utility bills, home heating oil bills and rent; donating food pantry items; and supplying Payless gift cards to provide needy Wilton students with shoes as part of our Social Services back-to-school program–last year 70 cards valued at $30 each were given to Wilton children. In addition, the Wilton Unit purchased Christmas  gifts for a needy Wilton family.

The bell ringers outside Wilton supermarkets and shops are not part of the Wilton unit, so money that is contributed there does not go directly to Wilton Social Services. What gets donated there still goes to help needy individuals; but if helping locally here in Wilton is what differentiates where you give, it’s an important distinction.

To donate to the Wilton Unit, which benefits Wilton Social Services and Wilton residents in need directly, you can do so online here.

So when you put money in the Wilton kettle, expect change. Your gifts to the Online Red Kettle will change local lives for the better, this holiday season and all year long.