The Merrill Salvation Army Service Unit has been serving the area for over 35 years giving hope and help to thousands of people who have been in a crisis situation. The monies needed to provide help to Merrill’s needy is provided through the United Way, private donations and the annual Red Kettle Campaign.
When the Red Kettle Campaign began in Merrill 20 years ago, bell ringers were recruited from Merrill churches. The only site where ringing took place was Walmart. Today ringers are generous individuals, members of service clubs, members of various groups, as well as church members. Churches who participated this year are: Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Christ Methodist Church, St. Francis Catholic Church, St. John Church, Hillside Fellowship, First Presbyterian, Journey Church and Calvary Lutheran Church. Organizations who rang included: The Octagon Club, the Holly Lange Singers, St. Vinny’s Ringers, Boy Scout Troop 599, Venture Crew Boy Scouts, Cub Scout Pack 503, the Preceptor Alpha Beta Sorority, and the Xi Alpha Nu Sorority. Ringing sites included Dave’s County Market, Lee’s Piggly Wiggly and First Street Coffee Station, as well as Walmart.
This year 250 ringers rang the bell for 318 hours to raise just over $25,000! At a recent thank you reception, recognition was given to those who helped make this year’s campaign the most successful ever. Honored as Church of the Year was Calvary Lutheran Church. Business of the Year was Dave’s County Market. Organization of the Year was Troop 599. Several individuals were honored as well. Receiving the Above and Beyond Recognition for ringing an exceptional amount of hours were: Dan Sculczewski (10-20 hours), Rob Hartson (10-20 hours), Ward and Barb Gremler (10-20 hours) and Donald McSwain (over 50 hours).
The Merrill Salvation Army salutes all ringers, businesses who hosted the ringers, and everyone who contributed a coin, a dollar bill, a five, ten, twenty, fifty or hundred dollar bill or check at the kettle.