A shameless beg... for a worthy cause!

Here on the left sidebar at Psycmeistr's Ice Palace there is a link to the Ice Palace's Salvation Army Virtual Kettle. The Salvation Army is truly doing the Lord's work; helping the needy not only by assisting them in their immediate needs, but also helping those in need by assisting them in becoming more self sufficient.

After having visited their local facility here in St. Cloud, Minnesota, I can say without reservation that these are dedicated, selfless people with a genuine driven mission to help others that may otherwise be marginalized in our society. They are truly a worthy charity.

70% of the cost of their programs, amounting to around $1,000,000 per year in capital expenses (only a very small portion of that goes to a paid skeletal staff--the remainder are volunteers), coupled with another million-and-a-half in donated food and clothing by area businesses and citizens, is locally generated, and fully a third of their operating budget is generated by their volunteer Christmas Kettle bellringers. Another 30% of their funding comes from United Way and government grants.

So when you pass a Salvation Army Kettle this Christmas Season, please take the time to put in what you can. The stuff that folds is nice, too, and please give early and often. I can assure you that it is for a worthy cause.

And, if you feel so inclined, please click on my "personal kettle" on the upper-left sidebar. Your donation will go to the national and regional Salvation Army offices. These funds are then dispersed to local chapters in the form of insurance, legal aid, and other overhead expenses, which Major Fones, head of the St. Cloud Salvation Army Chapter, stated are likewise indispensible in their mission. Every little bit, whether it's $20.00 or $1.00, will go a long way toward helping those in need.

Thanks so much!