Hundreds of Coats For Kids Delivered Through Project Bundle Up

The Salvation Army’s “Project Bundle Up” has returned in full force now that the restrictions of COVID-19 have been lifted. This initiative provides new children’s coats to families in need and traditionally has been held at a local JCPenney store.

Instead of bussing families to the retailer this year, we brought the shopping experience to our 100 West Avenue location.

Children from across Monroe County preregistered with their coat sizes so we could order in advance through JCPenney, who was happy to support us in this ongoing partnership. They provided coats at a 40%60% discount and donated an additional $200 to support Project Bundle Up. The majority of coat funds were provided through dedicated donations.

Thanks to the contributions of Rochester Salvation Army thrift stores, we were able to create an in-person shopping experience with coat racks, size dividers, and coat hangerssimilar to a real retail location! Our goal was to make new coat wishes come true for at least 200 kids, although that goal was exceeded by an additional 100 children. In total, we were able to provide more than 300 coats that will keep little ones bundled up this winter.

The smiles from families and their children as they shopped, tried on and selected their new coats were contagious and heart warming. Thank you to our Community Relations/ Development Committee, our special shopping assistant, Mayor Malik Evans, and the many others who made this charitable act possible!

If you’d like to volunteer at our next Coats For Kids shop, or if you’d like to make a donation that’s dedicated to supporting Project Bundle Up, please call 585-987-9500 ext. 2319 or email Maureen.hill@use.salvationarmy.org

Christmas Distribution Helps Families In Need and Businesses Bond Battle of the Bells

Last November, more than 1,500 families in Monroe County registered for The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Toy and Food Distribution event. Children 13 years and under received toys, gloves, socks and more through community donations and our partnership with Toys for Tots.

Volunteers helped decorate and organize the shop space at 100 West Avenue, while angel trees and donation boxes popped up all over Rochester. More than 10,000 items were received through collection hosts including Rochester School District Central Office, Total Sports Experience, Paylocity and Bridge Builders Ministries.

Between December 12th and 15th, adult family members were able to select gifts for their children and pick up food bags to help them plan a holiday meal.

Local businesses played a generous part in this gifting act through staff-led food collections. O’Connell Electric, Edgewood Church and MRB Group donated nonperishable foods like canned goods, juices and pastas.

Thoughtful items for our shelter guests were also collected and wrapped into drawstring bags, thanks to Landsman Development Corp, Deloitte & Touche LLP and the Tucker Family & Friends collaborative.

Volunteers from the Rochester Police Department, Holley Basketball Teams, Webster Thomas High School, Actalent Services and others who donated their time to assist with shopping and restocking tables. In total, more than 4,000 of our neighbors in need benefitted from this effort!

(from page 1) community categories. We’re proud to announce the winners of each category here:

School Group

Greece Odyssey Middle

School National Jr. Honor Society

College Club

Rochester Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Assoc.

Faith-Based Organization

Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Penfield

Community Organization

Rochester Fire Department

Service Organization

Braman American Legion Post #1229

Sports/Social Club

Pittsford Interact Club

Local Business CloudCheckr

Families and/or Friends

The Boss Family helps us with safe electronic recycling and would love to help you, too! www.sunnking.com/dropoff

The Top 2022 Battle of the Bells winner is the Lions Club of Chili, Scottsville and Churchville. This collaborative team rang for a total of 64 hours and raised over $3,000!

In total, eight local businesses participated in this inaugural fundraiser; Mason Marketing, Mason Digital, Sunnking Electronics Recycling, doxy.me, Northwestern Mutual, Hamilton Stern, Christopher McCarthy of Keller Williams and CGI Digital.

Their club names were engraved on our Battle of the Bells legacy trophy, which they will hold onto until our next Red Kettle Kickoff in November, 2023.