Salvation Army of Hannibal kicks off Tree of Lights Christmas campaign

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal Salvation Army began the Christmas season with its annual Tree of Lights Christmas kick-off event on Thursday, Nov. 17, at The Rialto in Hannibal. The 2022 campaign chairs, Brad and Sara Kurz, along with their children, Kendall and Caleb, were introduced along with the announcement of the $120,000 campaign goal.

In a press release, Sara Kurz said, “We believe that our calling is to live out our faith by serving, alongside our family, in our community.”

“For that reason, we’re excited to be partnering with The Salvation Army to raise money in support of their mission to meet human needs without discrimination across the globe,” Brad Kurz added.

The Salvation Army provides a variety of programs and services to assist families in need in the counties of Marion, Ralls, Lewis, Monroe, and Shelby.

Following are a few examples of ways The Salvation Army has given a hand up to our neighbors in need:

• 4,008 people were served by the daily bread line.
• 1,051 food boxes were distributed.
• 28 families received utility assistance.
• 23 families received rent assistance.
• Also, during the 2020 Christmas season:
• 800 families received Christmas food boxes
• 1,247 children received toys for Christmas
• 8,730 toys were distributed in partnership with Toys for Tots of Northeast Missouri.

Volunteers are essential to the Christmas season and assist with many Christmas programs and activities, especially bell ringing. Contact Tina Lewis for more information about volunteer opportunities at 217 231-5626 or register to ring bells at RegisterToRing.com.