Salvation Army Bell Ringing

First Stop Help Center Volunteers are ringing bells in front of Lander businesses during the month of December. 90% of proceeds stay in the community and help support people in crisis. 

Those little red kettles you see in front of stores and on countertops this time of year give you a chance to help end homelessness in Lander. Ninety percent of the money you drop into one of the Salvation Army kettles this season goes to the First Stop Help Center—in other words, it stays right here in Lander to give local folks a hand up, not a handout. Every dime counts; no donation is without consequence.

The First Stop Help Center, which receives money from the kettles, helps local people end the cycle of homelessness by keeping utilities turned on, helping with rent, providing the deposit for a new apartment, and a variety of other things. Some of the “red kettle money” also goes to the First Stop Help Center closet, which provides household necessities for families moving into a home—including pots and pans, dishes, flatware, and other necessities.

Last year, the Center helped more than two hundred people in a variety of situations, among them single parents trying to keep their heads above water; veterans needing help with bills; fixed-income elderly facing unexpected emergencies; and families who have lost their homes in disasters.

The poor are sometimes invisible; we’re often unaware that men, women, and children in Lander are living in their cars or in City Park. We rarely know that a woman down the street is being battered by an abusive husband but lacks the financial and emotional resources to move to safer housing. 

The First Stop’s rapid intervention offers solutions for these problems and more, removing the bureaucratic red tape that so often keeps people in these situations from leading a normal life. Your donations dropped in the kettles ensure the Center’s ability to keep providing assistance with its trademark attitude of respect, allowing clients to maintain their dignity. Even a handful of change from your pocket lets us help people who need what we have to offer, and you have the satisfaction of knowing your donation helps local people.

The Salvation Army red kettles are located throughout Lander at the checkout counters of many local businesses. You can also find your neighbors ringing bells with kettles at 4 locations throughout town on the weekend. If you are interested in helping please contact Deanna Trumble at the First Stop Help Center 307-332-2877.