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Islanders needed to help ring in a happy holiday

By Staff | Nov 24, 2010

MARIANNE PATON Island resident Jack Veldheer is among those who will be helping to collect donations during the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle program this holiday season.

Extending their reach with a helping hand this holiday season, one Pine Island couple will again serve as coordinators for the Salvation Army Red Kettle drive.

For a second year, Jerry and Kathy Flesher have been called upon to gather volunteers to collect donations in front of the Winn-Dixie Grocery Store on Pine Island. For many years, these donations collected on the island have generated thousands of dollars, rivaling those of other larger places in Lee County.

“This is the second year that Jerry and Kathy have run the program on Pine Island. They now have taken on an additional location just off of the island to help collect donations. The Fleshers are a dedicated couple that enjoy serving their fellow man in the name of their Lord and Saviour,” Kris Volpone, resource and volunteer specialist with the Salvation Army. “Jerry and Kathy also know just about everyone on the island, they cheerfully greet friends at the kettle when they are there and warmly thank everyone. Jerry and Kathy give graciously of their time and talent to make this program a success.”

This year, the Fleshers will extend their helping hand to a second location and additional volunteers will be needed to accept donations at the Publix Supermarket on the corner of Pine Island and Burnt Store roads.

“We are counting on the generosity of Pine Islanders to come out, spend a few hours ringing bells and helping to make area families and individuals enjoy a bright Christmas season,” Volpone said. “The Fleshers do such a great job on Pine Island and I am sure they and their volunteers will do the same again this year.”

The Red Kettle program runs from Nov. 19 through Dec. 24, Monday through Saturday each week. On Pine Island, bell ringers will work in shifts from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

During last year’s Red Kettle drive, hundreds of families and individuals in Lee Hendry and Glades Counties benefited in a variety of ways. The following is a breakdown of how many people were able to enjoy a brighter holiday season as a result of the Kettle funds last year:

2009 Christmas Report

Total individuals served: 20,309

Total families served: 4,922

Children served: 10,309

Gifts distributed: 41,033

Food bags to families: 6,500

Nursing home patients visited: 2,368

Gifts to nursing home patients: 3,150

In addition to the monetary and nutritional support, Salvation Army volunteers gave a total of 11,791 of their time to these programs.

When the holiday season ends, the Salvation Army doesn’t rest but rather puts remaining Kettle funds to work in other areas of need.

According to compiled data by the local Salvation Army, the following is a list of clients served in 2009.

Total individuals served: 22,108

Medical respite bednights: 3,059

Emergency Shelter/Family Unit: 699

Residential substance abuse rehab 137

Free nightly evening meal: 24,637

Emergency assistance and food pantry: 14,566

Total meals from food pantry bags: 436,302

Total meals served: 167,494

Bonita Springs outreach: 589

LaBelle assistance: 4,454

Those who would like to volunteer this holiday season as a “bell ringer” for the Winn-Dixie or Publix Red Kettle drive are asked to call Jerry and Kathy Flesher at 283-7134.