Community FM

Built to Serve, Episode 29 – Hope for the Holidays

by Joel Stockton

November 27, 2024

There are a couple of cultural constants that remind us that the holidays are upon us: Old Newsboys’ “Hope for the Holidays” Campaign and the Red Kettles from The Salvation Army. Both groups bring help and hope to people who are struggling, especially at this time of the year. For nine decades, the Syracuse Post-Standard has been raising funds by selling a special edition of the newspaper. Chairman Tom Brown is looking for groups of volunteers to assist in hawking the paper for their drive taking place throughout the community on December 6th and 7th. The funds from that special edition help to fund the activities at the Annual Christmas Bureau, which is a community effort of United Way of Central New York, The Salvation Army, and hosts of companies, civic groups and associations. Together, the Christmas Bureau will serve over 10,000 children. Donations will be promoted and accepted now through December 31st by: Texting HFTH2024 to 31333 or by Mail to Advance Media NY 220 S Warren St., Syracuse, NY 13202. Make checks out to: The Old Newsboys Sale. Corporate & small business donations are welcome.

Since 1883, The Salvation Army’s motto “Sharing is Caring” still rings true. Their ubiquitous Red Kettle is at 26 locations in Onondaga County alone. The funds from this drive will support the 34 distinct programs that provide basic needs and family stabilization services for over 38,000 people each year. The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to be bellringers – just go to www.registertoring.com, put in your ZIP Code and find a location and time that suits you. To donate, text kettles to 31333 or go to www.sasyr.org. Help us to bring “Hope for the Holidays” to those children and families facing the greatest need.