Volunteer Joy Getha rings the bell at Smith’s in White Rock. Courtesy photo
SELF HELP NEWS RELEASE
As the holiday season approaches, you will soon hear the familiar sound of ringing bells and see smiling volunteers standing next to Salvation Army red kettles when you visit Smith’s grocery stores in Los Alamos and White Rock.
The fundraiser begins on Wednesday, Nov. 27, and ends on Christmas Eve. Dedicated local volunteers, such as Joy Getha from White Rock and Linda Zwick from Los Alamos, make this possible.
The goal for this year’s red kettle campaign is to raise $15,000.
“Volunteers are the foundation of our red kettle campaign, because every shift filled raises $100-150, enough to pay a monthly utility bill,” said Self Help Board Chair Linda Zwick.
Kettle donations help support local families in need, assisting them with rent or utility bills throughout the year. Self Help, Inc., a community-based organization providing basic needs assistance since 1969, serves as the Salvation Army’s Service Extension in Los Alamos. While anyone can experience a financial setback, elderly residents on fixed incomes, single-parent households, and individuals with disabilities are particularly vulnerable and greatly benefit from the Salvation Army fund.
Self Help collaborates with the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization to recruit volunteer bell ringers. The LARSO Volunteer Corps provides opportunities for individuals of all ages who want to support the seniors in our Los Alamos and White Rock communities.
Donating just two hours of your time to ring a bell can help keep local families safe, warm, and housed throughout the year. Gather your family, friends, or colleagues to bell ring together. For more information or sign up, visit 2024 Bell Ringing or contact Self Help at 505-662-4666 or at contact@selfhelpla.org. You can also call the LARSO Volunteer Coordinator, Lindsay Smith, at 505-412-2200 or email volunteer@losalamosseniorcenter.com.
About Self Help, Inc.
Since 1969, Self Help, Inc. (Self Help) has functioned as a bridge to self-sufficiency for Northern New Mexicans. We believe access to basic needs is fundamental to every community member’s
well-being and success. We provide flexible financial assistance and information and referral services to help local families access essentials, from housing to healthcare. Self Help serves Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Northern Santa Fe, and Taos Counties residents.
About the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization
Our Vision is to reimagine aging by serving compassionately, connecting communities, creating space for companionship, and supporting independence. Our Mission is to promote positive living for the seniors in Los Alamos and White Rock. We provide seniors volunteer opportunities and a place to connect with others and serve.
About the Salvation Army
William Booth and Catherine Booth founded The Salvation Army in 1865 to help the suffering souls throughout London. They served those who were not willing or able to attend – or even allowed into – traditional churches/charities. Their mission was to serve the most destitute, and the ministry grew and became a worldwide organization. Each year, thanks to generous donations, The Salvation Army serves 30 million Americans – or one person every second – from a variety of backgrounds. People receive assistance according to their need and each community’s capacity to help – regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation.