Thank you from the Salvation Army

A big thank you, or should I say, a big “Thumbs Up“ to the Acme Supermarket in Vernon for once again hosting the local Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. This our 9th season in Vernon, we volunteers were thankful to the management for allowing us to “kettle” inside the store on those blistery and very cold days.
Michael Rubin was with us in Spirit at the kettle this year. Mike lost his battle with cancer this past August. Mike was a faithful volunteer who would dress up as a Charles Dicken’s character on Saturdays throughout the years. With a big top hat, overcoat, and festive scarf, Mike always did a wonderful job. Mike knew how to really express the season by demonstrating his theatrical talent as he wished shoppers a “Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad , Happy Hanukkah” and a “God Bless Us Everyone!”
Thank You to our Vernon volunteer force; Pastor Nick Fontana of the McAfee Bible Church, Karen, Hal, Janice, Art, Mark, Bonnie, Nicky, Blaise, Judy, Crista, Bob, and Steve. This represents our “skeleton volunteer crew” who manned the kettle with multiple shifts. Also, I would like to thank Santa Claus for joining us in spite of his busy schedule on Christmas Eve!
Most of all, thank you to our friends, neighbors, town residents, and visitors, who gave generously and repeatedly during the course of our campaign. You are helping us to “Do The Most Good” on the local level 24/7, and 365 days a year. If it were not for you, many who are among the most vulnerable in our county, would be forgotten.
Thank you all again, and Happy New Year!
Mary Ellen Vichiconti
Red Kettle Oversight Volunteer
Vernon Township