Salvation Army completes special projects in the county

MONTEZUMA — The Poweshiek County Salvation Army Service Extension Unit #261 in Montezuma is comprised of Chairman Darla Wilson, Bell Ringing Coordinator Bruce Blankenfeld, Treasurer and Co-welfare Secretary Karen Meek and Welfare Secretary Annette Deering, all volunteers.

Salvation Army service extension units exist to provide temporary or emergency welfare assistance to individuals and families in the county that they represent throughout the whole year. Service extension units may also apply to the Omaha district office for special projects to be funded. These projects should be addressing needs that cannot be met by any other means.

The budget for providing assistance and special projects consists of the money raised from the Red Kettle bell ringing campaign during the Christmas season and any other special funding that the unit may have such as community fund drives, personal giving, and trusts.

During this fiscal year 48 assistances were extended, said Meek. Of these, 16 were from the Grinnell area, five from the BGM area, 22 from Montezuma and five from other areas within the county. These helps include assistance with rent, utilities, storage rent due to eviction and water and sewer.

Three special projects totaling $3,417.39 were accomplished after committee members suspected a need:

Most recently, two refrigeration units were purchased from S & S Appliance for Connections in Grinnell, formerly known as Station Clubhouse, where, on average, 15 adults participate daily in this peer drop-in center.

Meek said it was wonderful opportunity to help an organization that has done much good over many years.

In June, just before the relocation grand opening of the Brooklyn Food Pantry, a 21-cubic foot convertible upright freezer was purchased from Roudabush Electronics & Appliances.

It was a dream come true for Mary Carlson, director of the pantry, to finally have adequate room and infrastructure to properly serve the community in need. Carlson said that an average of 70 households are served each month. With continued growth, more cold space was necessary.

The Montezuma American Legion Post #169 completed construction of its new building in May. Commander Ron Hensel said the process was a long-term goal accomplished through fundraising and grant writing.

When asked what may be needed in the final stages of completion, Hensel and his wife Bea suggested a commercial dishwasher.

“The Salvation Army committee was glad to accommodate our veterans and their future plans for use of the building,” said Wilson.

As the unit’s fiscal year ends, 97% of the budget has been invested back into the lives and businesses of Poweshiek County.

“When you give to the Red Kettle at locations such as Grinnell Walmart, Hy-Vee and Fareway, it truly does stay local and rings true to the Salvation Army motto of ‘doing the most good,’” said Wilson.

Blankenfeld said the bell ringers that give of their time in the inclement winter weather made this possible.

To ring the bell this holiday season, contact Blankenfeld at 641-990-1152. The giving of one hour of a person’s time makes a difference in someone’s life, the Salvation Army said.