Waco-area mayors to compete for Salvation Army donations

The mayors will take a post at a location in their jurisdiction to ring bells and compete for donations through The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign this weekend.

The Waco branch got the idea from the Arlington location, which started its mayoral challenge several years ago and has grown its group of competitors to more than 10 mayors, Salvation Army Maj. Jim Taylor said. He said Waco is similar to Arlington in that it is surrounded by other communities, and an enthusiastic “yes” from Waco Mayor Dillon Meek kicked off the challenge.

“It was a great idea that he had to try to say, ‘Hey, how do we spread the word and get the word out that Salvation Army’s a worthy cause to support?’” Meek said. “This time of year it’s easy to walk by the good men and women that are ringing bells, bustling about your business, but it’s worth it to pause and give to an organization like this this time of year.”

The mayors will ring bells and greet passersby for a few hours at a location in their city. Whatever they collect in their kettles or by virtual donation will be added to their challenge total, Taylor said. Virtual kettle donations may not be available for all challengers.

Meek said he is excited to support The Salvation Army on Friday morning at Hobby Lobby and encourages Wacoans to show out.

This year marks the organization’s 133rd Red Kettle Campaign where local branches raise money to provide food, shelter and other assistance to their communities. Taylor said it would be exciting for mayors to raise $10,000 through their combined shifts, though it is a lofty goal.

“The way that is going to reach $10,000 is if the mayors have invited people to come drop money or checks into the kettle that day,” he said.

The Waco Salvation Army has its sights set on a total goal of $180,000. The group set the same goal last year but fell some $50,000 short by the campaign’s end on Christmas Eve. Thankfully, after some media attention and calls for bell ringers, the shortfall was made up by a generous anonymous donation, Taylor said.

Although the organization was able to save its programming and services with the gift, it is possible that grocery orders and other types of material financial assistance could be cut back if it cannot meet fundraising goals, he said.

Taylor encourages people to stop by a Red Kettle to drop some change during the challenge or any other time during the campaign. Those who are not able to give monetary assistance may volunteer to host their own kettle for a shift. Churches or other organizations can also adopt a kettle as a group, and the local branch is looking for retired people or others who are available to ring during weekdays.

“We just appreciate the generosity of the people of Central Texas,” Taylor said. “… It’s fun to go out and ring the bell and say ‘Merry Christmas’ to people.”

For volunteer information, go to Registertoring.com.

Where the mayors can be found:

Waco Mayor Dillon Meek: 10 a.m. to noon Friday at Hobby Lobby, 1200 Richland Drive

Hewitt Mayor Steve Fortenberry: 2 to 4 p.m. Friday at Walmart in Hewitt, near the merchandise doors, 733 Sun Valley Blvd.

Robinson Mayor Bert Echterling: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Brookshire Brothers, 100 Peplow Drive, and until 1 p.m. Saturday at Rocket Café, 305 S. Robinson Drive

McGregor Mayor Jim Hering: 7 to 9 a.m. Saturday at the Coffee Shop Cafe, 1005 W. McGregor Drive

Beverly Hills Mayor David Gonzales: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Cabela’s, 2700 Marketplace Drive.