Just like the superhero in the movie, Pine Island came in big and contributed to the overall success of the 2009 Red Kettle Campaign of The Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties. A great big thank you goes out to all the Pine Island volunteers and residents. This year’s campaign was led by a new Kettle Volunteer Site Coordinator, Jerry Flesher and his faithful assistant and wife, Kathy. Pine Island bell ringers filled the schedule at Winn Dixie throughout the campaign. Donations from the island added up to $13,200, up 7.5 percent from last year.

“Year after year, Pine Islanders never cease to amaze us,” said Major Art Penhale, Corps Officer for The Salvation Army. “We are so grateful for the goodness that comes from this island. A special thank you to Jerry and Kathy for taking up the torch and carrying on tradition that Lew and Elaine Garvin, who have coordinated the Pine Island kettles for many years, have built in this unique and giving community,” Penhale said.

Despite all the efforts to achieve a goal of necessity, The Salvation Army’s local Red Kettle campaign came in $50,000 shy of its annual goal. “Even in this economy, we are so humbled by the generosity that comes from our community,” said Major Art Penhale, Corps Officer. “However, we will have to re-evaluate our programs in 2010 as not only do we rely on the Red Kettles to help fund Christmas and year round programs, but we also rely on general donations throughout the year. Even those donations are down 30 percent this year alone,” stated Penhale.

The programs and services that are offered beyond Christmas are the food pantry, medical clinic for the homeless, women and children’s shelter, nightly evening meals and outreach community efforts. In 2009, The Salvation Army helped thousands of local families and served over 22,000 individuals through all their programs and services combined.

To volunteer to help others in need throughout the year or to donate to The Salvation Army call 239.278.1551 or visit the Web at SalvationArmyLeeCounty.org.