Cities, towns compete in Salvation Army ringing contest

Let the battle begin.

On Thursday the cities of Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls, plus Chamber of Commerce organizations in Evergreen, Bigfork and Lakeside, will ring the bells for the Salvation Army’s red-kettle campaign to see which community can raise the most money for the charity.

Ringing will commence at about 10 a.m. and continues until 6 p.m.

There are bragging rights at stake, but more importantly, the communities are all pitching in to raise money to allow the Salvation Army to help needy people.

“We serve the homeless, the working poor, families trying to stretch their low income and the elderly looking for companionship,” Salvation Army Director of Development Bob Blake said. “We’re hoping this will be our first annual challenge. There’s a strong competitive spirit among these communities.”

The year-old Evergreen Chamber of Commerce — the new kid on the block — is ready to take on the other cities, Chamber President BJ Lupton said. He’s confident Evergreen will raise the most money.

“All the rest will have to figure out who’s winning second place,” Lupton said. “The Salvation Army is an amazing organization and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.

“I personally believe the Salvation Army ministry to our community and worldwide helps lift the human condition,” Lupton added.

Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld said Thursday’s red-kettle drive will be a “win-win” for the Flathead Valley regardless of which city collects the most money.

“This is a time for all of us to reflect on what really matters during the holiday season, and it's people coming together to help those that are less fortunate,” Muhlfeld said. 

Muhlfeld is personally challenging other mayors and civic leaders to meet his minimum pledge of $100 to help the momentum of the red-kettle campaign as it heads into the final stretch before Christmas.

Blake said each community will have key leaders such as mayors, City Council members or Chamber officials ringing the bells.

Each town or community has a designated red-kettle site:

• City of Kalispell —  Smith’s grocery in Kalispell.

• City of Whitefish — Super 1 Foods in Whitefish

• City of Columbia Falls — Smith’s grocery in Columbia Falls.

• Evergreen Chamber of Commerce — Super 1 Foods in Evergreen.

• Bigfork Chamber of Commerce — Harvest Foods in Bigfork.

• Lakeside/Somers Chamber of Commerce — Blacktail Grocery in Lakeside.

Blake said the idea for the friendly competition came from a similar contest held annually between Spokane and Coeur d’ Alene, where those two cities go head to head to raise money during the Salvation Army’s seasonal red-kettle campaign.

The mission of the Salvation Army is to meet human needs without discrimination, Blake said. Since 1895 the organization has served the Flathead Valley, “feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, loving the unlovable and befriending the friendless,” he said.

Over the past year the Salvation Army’s local assistance has included:

• 29,666 meals served at its community kitchen. Hot, nutritious breakfasts and lunches are served Monday through Friday. In addition, 894 meals were served to children during the summer at a different location.

• 1,451 showers were taken by needy individuals at its Community Center. This service is geared to the working poor who do not have access to running or hot water.

• 10,133 clothing and household items were given to needy individuals through vouchers to the Thrift Store.

• 81 children were given the opportunity to attend summer camp.

• 413 backpacks full of school supplies were given to needy students.

• 707 children were helped with toys and clothing for Christmas, along with 415 adults.

• 2,238 gifts were provided to area nursing homes for the holidays.

• A new laundry facility opened in May 2013 and has provided 53 people with the ability to have clean clothes.