By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
The front entrance of the Mesquite Walmart store was the setting for the Salvation Army of Mesquite Holiday Kettle Drive Kick-off on Friday morning, Nov. 26. The Kettle Drive is the main fundraising effort for the Mesquite Salvation Army. All monies collected are used locally to help the area residents in need.
In attendance for the opening bell, so to speak, was Mesqutie Mayor Al Litman and his wife Phyllis. Also there was City Councilwoman Karen Dutkowski, Mesquite Salvation Army Director Bill Ennis and Mr. & Mrs. Claus.
Bell ringers will be in front of the local businesses to raise needed funds thru December 23.
“We are here kicking off the season,” said Ennis. “We expect another successful year. The people in Mesquite are so charitable and generous and we appreciate the support. We wish a Merry Christmas to all.”
Mr. and Mrs. Claus have been ringing the bell for the Salvation Army for many years.
“This is one of the greatest things we can do to help our local people in need,” Mrs. Claus said.
“I help because the Salvation Army was there to help my father when he came home from WWII,” said Mr. Claus. “He never forgot that and made sure we kids didn’t either.”
The other Walmart entrance was manned by Larry Wait and his eleven-year-old son A.J. For the past four years this father-son duo have rung the Kettle Bell together.
“The Salvation Army does good things for people and gives them things they need to live,” said A.J. “Everyone should give something here.”
Ennis said they still have hour time slots to fill for ringing the bell. Anyone wishing to volunteer and help out may call 702-345-5116.
The Salvation Army also has an “Angel Tree” located in many local businesses. The tags represent a member of a needy local family that may not otherwise receive Christmas gifts, except for the gracious person that takes the tag.
