Christmas comes early for area organizations
By Susan DeVilder
The Star Courier
An unexpected donation of a large amount of money is making the holidays brighter and the new year a little happier for several local organizations.
The Kewanee Knights of Columbus recently received a donation for $10,000 from a local family. In the letter that accompanied the check, the family asked that they remain anonymous and requested that the donation be used “for local community needs if possible.”
Jerry Salisbury, financial secretary for the KOC, said the 105 members of the Kewanee chapter discussed the best way in which the windfall could help the community before deciding to divide the money up between five local organizations.
Online concert-something for everyone
The Star Courier
This year, the annual Kewanee Salvation Army Christmas Concert can be viewed online, and the event organizers hope that translates to a higher viewership for the local holiday event.
“I am excited about it being on YouTube,” said Brock Tumbleson, who is one of the concert performers. “For 25 years, it’s been limited. Now my son and grandchildren will be able to watch it.”
The move from a community concert to that of a virtual one was the result of the pandemic, but both Tumbleson and Eddie Toliver Jr., the director of the Kewanee Salvation Army, believe that the end result could be more support for the work of the organization.
Kewanee Salvation Army bell-ringing effort needs volunteers
Plea put out to community for help
Susan DeVilder
The Star Courier
Help Wanted: Some bell ringing required. Volunteers should be capable of swift wrist movement and a have a profound dedication to their community.
That s not a real wanted ad, but the local Salvation Army is desperate for bell-ringers to work several red kettle stations set up at businesses throughout town, and has put out a plea for volunteers.
The virus has hit the organization s annual campaign hard this year, said Eddie Toliver, Jr., life center director for the local organization. Due to an earlier start this year, the Salvation Army has seen a nationwide increase in donations. But at a local level, Toliver said donations stand at about 30 percent of the $28,000 goal.