JANESVILLE Salvation Army Rock Countys annual Kettle campaign is fully underway, and toy and holiday meal donations are still being sought.
Lt. Jennifer Rysdyk of Salvation Army Rock County said in an interview earlier this month that funds raised through the annual Kettle campaign is the majority of funding we get throughout the year. Rental assistance, food pantry, meal site and other programing would not be possible without our Christmas season funds.
At multiple locations along Humes we will have our Tip Tap Tiles at the Kettles as well. Someone can walk up to that board and hold their credit card or phone up to the amount they would like to donate at any time. Kettle stands will also have a QR code to be able to donate, Rysdyk also said.
To register to ring bells for Salvation Army Rock County this holiday season go to
Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas meal baskets
The Salvation Army Rock County is anticipating a significant increase in the number of individuals seeking assistance this holiday season, with rising food prices and growing community needs. This year, according to its release, it expects to serve almost 1,000 people for its annual Thanksgiving dinners in Beloit and Janesville and to provide Christmas meal baskets to more than 100 families.
To support this demand, Salvation Army Rock County is urgently seeking the donation of 250 turkeys and 100 hams.
The Red Shield Center, 628 Broad Street, in Beloit, will serve its Thanksgiving meal on Tuesday, Nov. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Salvation Army Rock County is partnering this year with Beloit Meals on Wheels to put on the Beloit Thanksgiving meal.
The Janesville Corps, 514 Sutherland Ave., will serve its Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, Nov. 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Donations of turkeys and hams can be dropped off at the Janesville Corps, 514 Sutherland Ave., Janesville, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Volunteers are needed to help with serving the meals.
Food and toy drive
Salvation Army Rock County is also holding a toy and food drive this holiday season.
This year, it has taken on Rock County Human Services clients for its Angel Tree distribution.
The goal is to provide each child with a variety of toys, stocking stuffers, books, a family puzzle and game and clothing.
Angel Tree families also get a Christmas turkey or ham and a gift card to purchase sides that their family can pick.
That means in total we will need around 500 hams or turkeys between now and Dec. 18, Rysdyk said.
This year the distribution will be Thursday, Dec. 19, and Friday Dec. 20. Last year 723 families were served.
For more information about the Kettle campaign or Salvation Army holiday programs, call (608) 757-8300.