Granby Sen. Witkos Raised Money for Salvation Army

Left to right, Senator Kevin Witkos; Jim Gordon, President of the Avon Chamber of Commerce; Representative Tim LeGeyt ring bells collecting donations for the Salvation Army at the Walmart in Avon.

Submitted

State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-Canton) and State Representative Tim LeGeyt (R-Avon, Canton) participated in the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign and collected $1191.64 by ringing bells for donations on Wednesday December 17th at the Walmart located at 255 W. Main Street Avon, CT. Walmart will match the donation dollar for dollar, raising the total to $2383.28.

“The Salvation Army is an incredible organization and I look forward to supporting this campaign every year,” said Senator Witkos. “I want to thank everyone who came out to make a donation. Together, we can combine donations of all sizes to accomplish incredible things in our community. I am thankful for the opportunity to support this organization and for the overwhelming generosity of our neighbors.”

“Year after year, I am humbled by the spirit of generosity that is alive and well in the Avon-Canton community,” said Representative LeGeyt of his fifth year partnering with the Salvation Army and Walmart. “I’m encouraged by neighbors helping neighbors and the neediest among us, so that no one goes without this holiday season. I’d like to thank everyone who supported the efforts of the Red Kettle Campaign; their donations will go a long way toward helping The Salvation Army provide assistance to those in need, not only during the holidays but also year round. It’s an honor to participate in this annual event.”

The two lawmakers toted along a small speaker and played holiday music to grab the attention of people passing by.

“Our objective was not only to collect donations, but also to spread holiday cheer and remind people of the amazing work the Salvation Army does. By getting out into the community, blasting our holiday music and ringing bells, we definitely accomplished our goal,” said Witkos.

Jim Gordon, Director of Public Relations & Marketing for The Salvation Army in Southern New England and President of the Avon Chamber of Commerce, applauded Witkos and LeGeyt for their efforts.

“I want to thank Sen. Witkos and Rep. LeGeyt for their enthusiasm and hard work. Our Red Kettle Campaign is an important fundraiser in our community. Our legislators, along with all those who donated, are contributing to an extremely worthy cause. Each and every donation goes a long way to support our neighbors,” said Gordon.

The Red Kettle Campaign collects donations from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. Funds raised go to local Salvation Army centers and help provide holiday dinners, clothing and toys for families in need. Funding sometimes stretches beyond the holiday season and donations can provide aid for families, seniors and the homeless throughout the year.

The Salvation Army operates 7,546 centers in communities across the United States. These include food distribution, disaster relief, rehabilitation centers, anti-human trafficking efforts, and a wealth of children’s programs. The Red Kettle Campaign began in 1891 and raises millions of dollars each year during the holiday season.

For more information on the program visit: www.salvationarmyusa.org.