Poweshiek County Salvation Army campaign has banner year

Thanks to mild weather, a host of volunteer bell ringers and the generosity of many, families in crises across Poweshiek County see a ray of hope in 2024.

Darla Wilson, chairperson of the Salvation Army Service Extension Unit #261, which serves Poweshiek County, reported that the Salvation Army collected a total of $12,306.62 during five weekends of ringing the bell from Nov. 17 through Dec. 23.

“It was just a good year — mild weather for sure and that extra week to ring,” said Wilson, who is based in Montezuma.

“I would imagine that with the amount raised, we will be able to do a special project or two,” said Wilson. “I hope so, we will see as the year progresses.”

Bell ringing coordinating duties are now under the direction of Bruce and Laura Blankenfeld of Grinnell. This is the second year the couple, former owners of the West Side Family Restaurant in Grinnell, has coordinated bell ringers and the first year to go solo.

Dr. George Salnave, the now retired minister of First Presbyterian Evangelical Church in Montezuma, was in charge of coordinating bell ringers in previous years.

Bruce, a longtime member of Grinnell Rotary, said he was talking with Salnave a few years back when he learned of his plan to retire. Without a bell-ringing coordinator, there would be no bell ringers and no funds raised through the Red Kettle Campaign.

“I helped George in 2022 and took over in 2023,” said Bruce. “I understood the importance of the bell ringing money helping Poweshiek County residents in a crisis.”

Sarah Seney of Grinnell, the former principal at Fairview Elementary, pitched in and helped Bruce and Laura coordinate bell ringers during the Red Kettle Campaign.

“I saw firsthand how the Salvation Army supported schools and families,” said Seney. “My parents are the bell ringing coordinators for Marion County, like Bruce is for Poweshiek County. I grew up ringing bells and have continued that tradition with my own children.

“It’s a wonderful way to give back to your community and the families and schools in our county,” said Seney.

About 110 bell ringers gave of their time. Bruce said some of the organizations and people who stepped up and helped ring the bell were RE-MAX, JeldWen, Poweshiek County Realtors, Bailey Park School, Bayer, Brownells, the Grinnell Rotary, Grinnell Mutual, Westfield Church, Davis Elementary, Lions, Mighty Golden Clover 4-H Club, the Sheridan 4-H Club and North Risk/Temp/Edward Jones Amerigroup.

Members of the Grinnell Rotary led the way with 20 volunteers, and Grinnell Mutual had 18 volunteers who rang the bell. Other organizations sent from eight to 10 volunteers each.

Bell ringers were sent up at Fareway, Hy-Vee and Grinnell Walmart during the five-week Red Kettle Campaign.

The Salvation Army Service Extension Unit #261 is one of 75 service extension units in the Western Division of the Salvation Army, which covers Nebraska, South Dakota and Western Iowa.

“Their goal is to provide support to people and families during crisis situations and to help identify other community resources that are available for additional help,” said Wilson. “The unit provides temporary emergency assistance based on a budget local volunteers raise through community donations, especially through the Red Kettle Campaign or for example, the support of the Montezuma Community Fund Drive.”

Wilson said the purpose of the unit #261 is to fill gaps and meet unmet needs, not to duplicate the work of other agencies. It’s the local unit’s job to stay aware of the needs in the county as well as what other agencies are doing and to make referrals when necessary.

Temporary emergency assistance includes help with utilities, rent, aid to victims of disasters, health care such as non-narcotic medication, eye care and dental care.

“There is a max amount of assistance and a limitation of how often assistance for a crisis (situations) can be received,” said Wilson.

Other changes

A service extension unit is comprised of at least three volunteers covering four positions.

Darla Wilson is now serving as Chairperson. Karen Meek, the former Poweshiek County Emergency Management Coordinator of Montezuma, replaced her as Treasurer and Co-Welfare Secretary.

Annette Deering, former owner of the Daily Grind in Montezuma, will serve as Welfare Secretary alongside Meek. Bruce will continue as bell ringing coordinator.

“Everyone has a list of job responsibilities and all have received training and certification from the Omaha office to maintain credibility for the service extension unit and the Salvation Army,” said Wilson.

“I’m fortunate to have an opportunity to serve for this worthwhile cause,” noted Meek. “Also, I’m thankful for having the support of the community and having a great leader in Darla and great partner in Annette.”

“Getting the news out about our Salvation Army is great,” said Deering. “I have always had a place in my heart to serve others. We are eager and ready to serving Montezuma and Poweshiek County.”

To inquire about receiving help during a crisis situation, email Meek at cypest@zumatel.net or Deering at mebooberry1@yahoo.com or call Meek’s cell at 515-971-2515.

If the Salvation Army can be of assistance, a client will need to bring an ID and required verification of the need to the scheduled appointment. Meek and Deering will take appointments on Tuesdays (unless otherwise necessitated) and will work out of the Montezuma Food Pantry office located at 501 N. Front St., South East Building.

To inquire about giving to the service extension unit or ringing the bell in 2024, speak with Bruce at 641-990-1152 or Darla at 641-623-3275.

To donate to the Salvation Army, mail checks to Salvation Army, P.O. 189, Montezuma, IA 50171.

Ninety percent of all funds raised gets invested back into the lives and businesses in Poweshiek County. The other 10% goes to overhead and division wide needs such as large disasters.

“The Salvation Army motto of dong the most good is actually true,” said Wilson.