Fundraising campaign exceeds goal

GREENWICH — The Salvation Army-Greenwich Service Unit recently wrapped up its 2025 Red Kettle Campaign. Thanks to the support of numerous individuals and groups, the $15,000 goal was exceeded. The final tally was just over $15,560. "Funds raised will help income-eligible people in Greenwich, North Fairfield and New Haven with utility bills," kettle coordinator Mary Oney said. "Goods donated will supply food baskets, hygiene kits, pet food and other household necessities throughout the year. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this community effort." Organizations that took turns ringing the bell at the Greenwich Dollar General included the FFA from South Central High School. The North Fairfield Assembly of God, as well as the Baptist, Methodist and Ripley churches in Greenwich each covered one or more kettle days. Members of the Tri-Community Fire Department were especially helpful in filling bell ringing time slots. In addition, a large number of individuals and family groups signed up for hour-long shifts of kettle duty. Several brave souls worked at least two hours straight or helped on different days, despite the frigid weekend temperatures in December. Greenwich businesses hosting countertop kettles were Civista Bank, Buddies in Barbecue, Mickey Mart, Old Village Hardware, Buck's Hardware, Burky's Farm Market, East of Chicago, The Beauty Shop, Painted Cowgirl and Farmers Insurance Agency. The Ripley Church also sponsored a small kettle. In North Fairfield, the American Legion assisted with monetary collections. FriendShip Kitchen in New Haven rounded out the list of little kettle locations. Cleveland Plumbing Supply of Norwalk held a "taxable items" drive, filling numerous boxes with donated household cleaning supplies, paper products, toiletries and more. The Village of Greenwich, with the help of Mayor James Twaddle, collected non-perishable food and other essential items in a barrel placed in the lobby. Under the guidance of advisor Lynn Dendinger, South Central Middle School Student Council led a school-wide drive and donated a large quantity of non-perishable items to the food pantry. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community throughout this year's Red Kettle Drive. The Salvation Army could not fulfill its mission without your love offerings and ongoing prayers. If you or someone you know in our service area needs assistance, please call 419-752-2769 and leave a message requesting an appointment. Volunteers are generally available at the office located in the Ripley Church on Monday afternoons and Thursday mornings, except holidays or inclement weather days. Support checks may be mailed all year-round to the Salvation Army-Greenwich Service Unit, 4130 Edwards Road, Greenwich, Ohio 44837. Please make checks payable to the Greenwich Salvation Army so that your donations stay local. We are a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, and contributions are deductible for federal income tax purposes to the extent of the law. The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.