Locals lend helping hand to Salvation Army

By Staff
Staff Editorial
Last Saturday the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign was held for the first time this holiday season at Russellville Walmart.
More than a dozen volunteers from the Russellville Civitans, Phil Campbell National Honor Society, Franklin County Junior Leadership Class and Russellville Kiwanis raised more $425 in less than 10 hours of bell-ringing.
This has been a challenging year for the economy, and many families are cutting back on their Christmas spending. Still, an estimated 200 local residents of all ages took the time to stuff the kettle with everything from their pocket change to $20 dollar bills.
The Florence-based Salvation Army assists individuals and families in need of assistance from Franklin, Colbert and Lauderdale counties. The Red Kettle Campaign is one of the organization's primary fundraisers, and the money raised last weekend will help fund programs such as the community pantry and the Angel Tree.
We applaud the local community's response to the campaign, and we thank Walmart for allowing the Salvation Army to do what they can to help those in need during the holidays.