Press Conference Scheduled with The Salvation Army and Bristol, CT Mayor
BRISTOL, CT – The Salvation Army in Bristol will be holding a press conference at Bristol City Hall on Tuesday, October 19th at 10:00am. The Salvation Army will be launching its 2021 Christmas Campaign. Nationally, the theme for this year’s Christmas Campaign is “Hope Marches On.”
With more people facing hardship this year, the need to serve those most vulnerable is greater than ever. Millions of Americans have been impacted by COVID-19 and are experiencing incredible need. The Salvation Army remains committed to meeting needs in Bristol, CT and throughout the state of Connecticut including feeding hungry families, helping people stay in their homes, and making Christmas bright for children and families in need.
"Throughout the pandemic, our soup kitchen and food pantry have remained an essential service for Bristol residents in need,” said Captain Shareena Echavarria, Corps Officer at The Salvation Army in Bristol. “We are working to raise enough funds to continue to meet needs during our upcoming kettle season, which will run from November 15th thru Christmas Eve.”
Individual volunteers and groups are needed to help ring the bells at The Salvation Army’s Red Kettles. An anonymous donor will match $1 for $1 up to $30,000 this holiday season. “We are hopeful that the Bristol community will rally to support our annual effort,” Captain Echavarria said. “We also anticipate serving over 400 families Thanksgiving and Christmas food boxes this holiday season, along with gifts for over 700 children.”
Bristol Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu echoed her support for The Salvation Army. “Before the pandemic, the Salvation Army provided key services to some of our most vulnerable populations. During the pandemic, their role grew, and we relied upon them to help us with essential services to ensure our community’s needs were met,” said the Mayor. “While our conditions have improved, the need is still there.”
In 2020, The Salvation Army in Bristol served 11,959 individuals, provided 33,857 meals, and served 703 children and distributed 8,886 toys for Christmas. The Salvation Army in Bristol provides: food pantry, soup kitchen, holiday assistance, youth programs, Bible teen leadership program, Sunday school, creative arts and music program, summer camp at Camp CONNRI, worship services and women’s and men’s ministry.
The Bristol Police Department will be collecting toys on behalf of The Salvation Army this year. In addition, The Salvation Army is looking for corporate sponsors for the Angel Tree program. To adopt a child's Angel tag for Christmas, interested donors can contact: Shareena.Echavarria@use.salvationarmy.org
To volunteer to ring a bell for The Salvation Army, contact Kathryn Perrett:
Kathryn.Perrett@USE.SalvationArmy.Org
PRESS CONFERENCE LOCATION
Bristol City Hall
111 North Main Street
Bristol, CT
Outside in good weather. Will be moved inside at Council Chambers for inclement weather.
Light refreshments will be served following the press conference.