PRESS RELEASE
Hundreds of Residents from Flood-Ravaged Oakport Township Covering Entire Day of Bell Ringing Dec. 19
December 17, 2009 – FARGO, N.D. – About 300 residents of Oakport Township are scheduled to bell ring at all of the Fargo Salvation Army’s 30 kettle sites in Fargo/Moorhead from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19.
The group was organized by Oakport Township resident Carol Reski as a way to thank The Salvation Army for the food, hydration, cleaning kits and spiritual support the organization gave her community during last spring’s record floods.
Reski’s home was one of about 200 in Oakport Township that suffered flood damage. Another 600 homes in the population 1,800 community near Fargo were saved thanks to the efforts of local residents and thousands of volunteers who filled sandbags and built levees.
“The Salvation Army did so much for everybody,” Reski said. “It made me realize how important they really are. I’ve helped The Salvation Army before, but little did I know they would serve me someday.”
Last year Reski organized a similar effort in which about 300 members of Hope Lutheran Church in Fargo covered an entire day of local bell ringing.
“Volunteerism is so important,” Reski added. “It’s what we’re all here for – to help each other out.”
The Salvation Army Northern Division has been serving Minnesota and North Dakota communities since 1886. Today the Northern Division includes operation centers in dozens of cities across both states. These centers provide food, shelter, spiritual enrichment and more to nearly 500,000 people a year. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a donation, please call 651-746-3400 or toll free at 800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave. N, Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
