The Salvation Army’s volunteer Red Kettle bell ringers for Christmas in July, including Gary Smolk at Friendship Food Store in Port Clinton, had record-setting donations this year.

The Salvation Army’s Port Clinton Service Unit had a rousing Christmas in July bell ringing season, setting donation records despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Director Maureen Saponari of the Salvation Army whole-heartedly thanked sponsor Catawba Moorings and the Red Kettle host sites, which included Friendship Food Stores in Port Clinton and Catawba, Twin Oast Brewery and The Orchard.

Catawba Moorings (Dockers with Donations) succeeded in collecting a shopping cart of non-perishable food, along with school supplies and $3,628 in their kettle. With the collaboration of the bell ringing sites for 2020 Christmas in July, the donations totaled a record-setting $5,108. “The Port Clinton Service Unit is proud to serve our local community and appreciates the generous response by our residents and ‘weekend locals’ for going above and beyond to help The Salvation Army Port Clinton Service Unit continue their efforts in providing assistance for our community,” said Director Maureen Saponari.

The Salvation Army is currently accepting donations for its Tools for School Program, providing a critical need for school supplies as fall approaches. If you would like to make a donation to any of The Salvation Army-Ottawa County programs, please call Director Saponari at 419-732-2769.