Salvation Army official sets $20,000 goal

The Clovis Salvation Army is gearing up to help more families in need this year.

Lt. Kelly Berggren has made the Salvation Army’s goal to collect $20,000 to help needy families in Clovis.

“There is a real need here in Clovis and we want to reach out to the families in need,” Berggren said.

Berggren and his wife are new to the Clovis area, arriving here in July, but both have been working for the Salvation Army for many years. Berggren said he believes that more families are in need of support this holiday season.

Last year, he said the organization helped less than 50 families and this year Berggren said he wants to help 300 families.

Some of the ways they will help will be accepting toys for children up to 12 years old. They are working with local businesses around Clovis to get toys donated to children who might not otherwise get toys for Christmas.

Another way they collect toys will be the “Angel Tree,” located at North Plains Mall. The tree will have tags on it, which will have the age and gender of a child. Those who want to help will then have opportunity to purchase a toy.

Families will always get gift cards to help buy food for a Christmas meal.

The biggest way the Salvation Army raises money is the Red Kettle campaign, for which it is now accepting applications for bell ringers.

“Right now we are going to be in 12 locations around Clovis and last year we had five,” Berggren said.

Berggren said five bell ringers are returning to volunteer and one location will be completely done by the Christian Motor Cyclists.

Bell ringers will be out starting Nov. 20.

“We really want to help more families and I have seen a real need for this area,” Berggren said.

The Salvation Army is an international organization that also provides a food bank and helps families with a fixed income pay their utility bills.

For those needing help, application dates to apply at 317 E. Second St., in Clovis, are:

• Nov. 4 — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Nov. 5 — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Nov. 6 — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

(Closed from noon to 1 p.m. each day)