The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to help collect donations this holiday season.  April Chesney, the newly appointed County Coordinator for the Salvation Army, told Hays Post that she’s set small kettles in various businesses around town, but she’s looking for volunteers to ring bells and accept donations at the larger kettles.

Last year, over $16,000 was raised from donations in Hays and the surrounding area.  Chesney said that while she’s not setting monetary goals given her short time frame to collect, she is happy to be stepping into her role in such a giving community.

All money collected in Ellis County will stay in Ellis County to be distributed through local organizations.  The money will be used to help with items such as rent, bills, groceries, and utilities. Chesney says that First Call for Help helps with a majority of the screening.

In recent years, The Salvation Army has received a lot of negative backlash for stating that any money donated will not be distributed to homosexuals.  Chesney says that the screening for local funds is just to establish income eligibility, and sexual orientation will not be a factor here as it may be in larger communities.

Chesney added that this Saturday December 14th Wal-Mart is partnering with the local Salvation Army for Fill the Truck, where people can purchase toys to be distributed to area children. She also said that this year, even with a short time to collect donations, she’s excited to kick start collection efforts.

“Me stepping in as somebody new and not originally from the community, seeing what Ellis County is capable of as far as taking care of their people and giving so generously; it just makes me excited and hopeful coming into this position.”

Anyone wishing to volunteer can call First Call for Help at 785-623-2800.