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The community of Dixon showed extraordinary generosity and warmth of spirit during the four Saturdays preceding Christmas.
The Kiwanis Club of Dixon organized volunteers to ring bells for our local chapter of the Salvation Army. Over $18,000 was collected, an unprecedented record, especially considering the strict COVID-19 protocols; $13,000 was collected in the red kettles, a 12- year high, and $5,000 was collected in other donations.
A huge thank you goes to the businesses that allowed us to ring bells at their storefronts or hosted small kettles at their checkouts; to the many organizations that supplied bell-ringers; and to all the citizens who tossed their extra change, a dollar or more, into the red kettles.
A special thank you goes to Kiwanis member John Holthaus and the Kiwanis committee for organizing 200 hours of bell ringing from local individuals, groups and businesses.
The businesses that hosted bell-ringers were ACE Hardware, County Market, Oliver’s Corner Market, Walgreens, and Walmart.
Businesses that hosted small red kettles at their checkouts were Books on First, Casey’s General Store, Circle K, Hometown Pantry, Huffy’s Marathon, Kelly’s Mobile, Oliver’s Corner Market, Shell Express, Stop-N-Go, and Tractor Supply.
Clubs and organizations that supplied volunteer bell-ringers were Builders Club of Reagan Middle School, Dixon Chamber of Commerce and Main Street, DHS Cheer Squad, DHS Key Club, Faith Christian High School, FFA of AFC High School, Golden K Club, Ken Nelson Auto, Kiwanis Club of Dixon, KSB Hospital, Lions Club, Lioness Club, Sauk Valley Community College, St. Vincent de Paul Society, United Way Board, and Dixon YMCA, and Crest Foods.
The Salvation Army assists those who need shelter and food, especially after disasters, but it also helps combat poverty and hunger. All the money raised will assist those in need locally.
Our community should be proud of their kind generosity. Building strong communities helps everyone!
Deborah Crowson
Dixon Kiwanis member