Salvation Army looking for help with holiday campaign

ELKHART, Ind.-- Last year, the Salvation Army of Elkhart wasn’t able to host their annual Red Ribbon Basket Campaign because of the pandemic, but with things looking up a little bit this year, they're back at it, and are asking you to help by donating items. Items you can fill the basket with include everyday personal hygiene items, such as shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and also items like laundry detergent, toilet paper and paper towels, first aid products, and dish soap.

This annual event serves 500 to 600 people in need every single year. They’re starting a few months early to get the word out and get prepared, and just like every other year, they're hoping to fill up about 600 laundry baskets this time around. It’s something they do with the help of the community, to help brighten up the holiday season for local families.

“It's just an awesome opportunity for people to, if they’re not donating as far as cash, it’s an easy way for them to donate and still help people. They can see the basket, they can see the material items going in there, and they can see where it’s going so it’s just an awesome opportunity,” Salvation Army of Elkhart Core Officer Wayne Benedict said.

To sign up, you can call their number at (574)970-0088, or visit their office personally at 300 N. Main Street between 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Once you come and pick up the laundry basket, you will have until December 13 before they must be completed and returned back to the salvation army.

“Last year we were unable to do it because of COVID restrictions so that’s left people a little in the loop of what we’re doing this year and we wanted to pick up because there was a lot of calls on if we were going to do it and we want to do the best for the community. So, it's an awesome program that’s been successful in the past and we want to just give that opportunity for people this year,” Benedict said. “Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to serve all those in the community without discrimination. It's just something extra to add to households and the baskets you pick up, you get a flyer with all the items that can be put into this basket.”

If you aren’t able to help out with this campaign specifically, there are other ways you can help families in need in the community. You can find out more, on their website by clicking here.