The “Fill the Truck” toy drive is being hosted at the Wal-Mart on Main Street in Cortez through Dec. 11. In addition, the Wal-Mart will host Salvation Army’s iconic red kettles through Christmas to collect much-needed funds to support the Army’s social services at Christmas and year-round. Last year in Cortez, Wal-Mart helped the Salvation Army raise more than $10,000 (Walgreens, Sunflower Theatre and other local businesses also hosted red kettles). The Salvation Army raised $149.6 million in its nationwide Red Kettle Campaign. All donations made to the red kettles locally will remain in Cortez and help the Salvation Army provide food, clothing, shelter, financial assistance and other services to hundreds of people per year.
The “Fill the Truck” event will run nationwide at select Wal-Mart stores and is open to anyone who would like to donate new toys and coats for the children who take part in Salvation Army programs year-round. Upon arrival, shoppers will receive a list of suggested gifts to help fill the truck at the store. Once the donation receptacle is full, the Salvation Army will distribute the gifts to local children in need.
New this year, the Salvation Army is calling on Americans to start their own #RedKettleReason fundraisers, as well as offering the opportunity to designate their contributions to programs that fight hunger, provide shelter or ensure Christmas assistance for those in need. For more information, visit RedKettleReason.org.