SALVATION ARMY OF Dickinson County, Bread of Life Assistance Center Director Tara Blagec, right, and case manager Jennifer Witte get ready for the upcoming Red Kettle Campaign that is set to begin Friday. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — With the holiday season just around the corner, the Salvation Army of Dickinson County, Bread of Life Assistance Center is gearing up for its annual fundraiser, which allows them to keep their “boots on the ground” year-round.

The Red Kettle campaign will kick off Friday and continues through Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.

“A successful season is vital to ensure our agency is able to carry out our mission each year — especially during such trying and uncertain times,” Director Tara Blagec said. “We have witnessed firsthand the impact the pandemic has had on our society, sadly affecting many of our own community members.”

Blagec stressed that while society might be in the “post-pandemic” transition, many individuals and families still face challenges.

“We will not allow COVID to stop us from doing what we need to do for the greater good of those we are called to serve,” Blagec said. “With community support our boots will remain on the ground, helping those in crisis.”

Volunteers are valuable assets in the effort to meet the seasonal fundraising goals, she explained.

The campaign has more than 1,400 two-hour spots to fill at the kettles, which means they need a lot of bell ringers.

Volunteers are asked to do at least a two-hour shift between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at one of their kettle locations: both entrances of Walmart, Super One Foods, Tadych’s Family Market, Kingsford Ace Hardware, Pat’s Foods in Norway and Northwoods IGA in Niagara, Wis.

Blagec said if they don’t have the ringers for time slots, kettles will not be out. “We are different from other regions, as we do not leave our kettles unattended,” she said. “By just giving a couple hours of your time, means hope for many.”

The LongRiders Motorcycle Club once again has stepped up to host kettles on the first day at both Walmart entrances.

“Jennifer and I will be at Walmart — providing cookies and donuts to kick this year off,” Blagec said. “Council members will also be filling spots at other locations that day.”

They encourage friends, groups or organizations to make it fun by setting challenges, even singing or playing Christmas music.

Funds collected throughout the kettle season allows the Salvation Army to provide services all year — not only with short-term emergent needs, such as food and clothing, but social service program for 12 months.

“This type of support has allowed us to help individuals and families who have been homeless transition into stable housing and provide them with household items, personal items, phone minutes, etc.,” Blagec said. “Assistance may also be needed for utility hook-up, as well as an array of other needs.”

In addition, they assist with preventing individuals from becoming homeless due to unexpected circumstance or at risk of eviction or shut-off of utility service.

The Salvation Army continues to offer budgeting and do assessments to determine potential referral and linking of services to one of their many community partners, such as for mental health, substance abuse and more.

They need a bell ringer coordinator as well, Blagec said. Anyone interested can contact the Salvation Army office at 906-779-5717.

Those interested in taking a turn as a bell ringer can call 906-239-6824.

Those unable to sign up for the kettle program can make a difference in other ways.

Community members can adopt a family or children from the Angel Tree Program.

Angel Tree tags will be available on the trees at Walmart or by contacting the office.

Shopping this year has been made easier with an online registry. Angel Tree donors can go to Walmart.com, then press the three-line main menu in the upper right hand corner, scroll down to registry and go to Registry For Good.

“Donors have the options of choosing a child, family or just buy a toy to donate that can be used for the program.

“The online program works out great, as they ship it free right to the office,” case worker Jennifer Witte said.

They do ask that children’s gifts be donated unwrapped, as they want to parents to be able to enjoy the wrapping.

“We provide them with gift wrap, tape and tags,” Witte said. “Those purchasing a gift for a parent are welcome to wrap those.”

The Salvation Army strives to be good stewards of its resources. “We continue our effort to ensure non-duplication of service,” said Witte, explaining that individuals who have signed up to received donations elsewhere will not be eligible for this Christmas program.

Those with questions about the program should reach out to the Salvation Army before making other commitments.

“We are offering a hand up rather than a hand out and we will continue to be here spiritually, emotionally and financially for those we are called to serve,” Blagec said.

Those wishing to make a monetary donation can mail checks to The Salvation Army, 145 Roseland St., Kingsford MI 49802 or P.O. Box 218, Iron Mountain, MI 49801.

“We are grateful for the support we receive each and every year — even last year with very limited kettle time, donations came in because the community knows what ‘Doing the Most Good’ is all about,” she said. “Our community has never let us down.”