For 19 years, Geauga County Rotary Clubs have volunteered as bell ringers for The Salvation Army “Red Kettle” campaign. In 1994, $2500 was raised. In 2012, over $28,000 was collected. Since 1994, the Rotary Clubs of Chagrin Valley, Chardon, Chesterland, and Burton-Middlefield have raised over $400,000 ~ often standing outside on windy, cold December days along with thousands of high school students through the Interact Clubs from Berkshire, Chardon, Kenston, and West Geauga.
The good news is that every dollar put into a Red Kettle in Geauga County during the December weekends listed below goes directly to assist Geauga County households throughout the year. The financial assistance may come as a past due rent payment for someone who is unable to work due to a medical leave. It may take the form of an automobile gasoline card to help someone get to a new job. Often in the winter, it helps keep a family warm by arranging part of a fuel oil or propane gas delivery.
Red Kettle dollars also support valued seasonal services in Geauga County, including back-to-school supplies and donations of food and gifts during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays.
The Salvation Army Red Kettle dollars are used to help households through a local network of churches, charities, and service organizations known as The Community Fund Partnership. United Way Services of Geauga County provides a part-time staff person to work with individuals and families who are facing a particular financial hardship. Working closely with Geauga County Job & Family Services to make sure public/government assistance is used first, The Community Fund Partnership may step in to help if a household is not eligible for public assistance or they need additional help beyond what Geauga County Job & Family Services can do.
Look for your local Rotary Club members, as well as High School Interact Club members, on the following dates/locations; and remember, “What seems little to you might make a big difference to someone next door.”
December 7 & 14:
Chagrin Falls Giant Eagle & Starbucks;
Bainbridge Giant Eagle & Mazzulo’s (Chagrin Valley Rotary Club)
Chardon Giant Eagle & Chardon Wal-Mart (Chardon Rotary Club)
Middlefield Wal-Mart (Burton-Middlefield Rotary Club)
December 14 & 21:
Chesterland Giant Eagle & Chesterland Drug Mart (Chesterland Rotary Club)
Pictured above from left: Dave Simko, Chagrin Valley Rotary Club; Ben Royle, Chardon Rotary Club; Brian Brockway, Burton-Middlefield Rotary Club; Jim Bohinc, Chesterland Rotary Club
