TRAPASSO FAMILY DONATES OVER $21,000 TO THE MONROE COUNTY SALVATION ARMY CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN

(EAST STROUDSBURG, PA - DECEMBER 2014) - Vincent and Charlie Trapasso, owners of Desaki Restaurant in Swiftwater, PA, heard about the Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle shortfall last season and decided to do something about it. In August, they approached the Monroe County Salvation Army with the idea of hosting a Red Kettle fundraiser with all proceeds raised going to the Salvation Army. With that idea, the Red Kettle Gala was born with a committee of ten that included the Trapassos, Chairperson Pat Malvin, Madeline Casale, Camille Breslauer, Janet Weidensaul, Jody Nearhoof, Majors James and Deb Gingrich, Maryanne Heeter, and Gina Bertucci.

Fast forward to December 5 and, in spite of a snowstorm, the event raised over $21,000 thanks to the committee, the Salvation Army and Desaki staffs, the Salvation Army Brass Band, David Coulter Photography, Bushkill Group Inc., attendees, donors, advertisers, Gary Smith who emceed the event, and Robyn Smith who performed to open the evening.

Major James Gingrich, commanding officer of the Monroe County Salvation Army, "We are very fortunate to live in a community where people volunteer their time and talents, and donate generously to those most in need. On the heels of a very successful Harvest Festival fundraiser, the Red Kettle Gala put us in a great position to feed, provide holiday food baskets, emergency assistance, and gifts for children, to hundreds of families who have fallen on difficult times this holiday season."

The Annual Christmas Campaign needs to raise $150,000 each year to make it all possible. Gingrich continues, "Traditionally, the Salvation Army's bell ringers generate a large percentage of the community-wide support needed for our feeding and sheltering programs. Last year, we were heavily impacted with a decline in giving to the Kettles of over 20%. We are thankful the Trapassos came forward to help us make up that shortfall. Our Kettle Season is now in full swing with every penny raised making a significant difference in the lives of those most in need in Monroe County."

The majority of the Salvation Army's local programs such as food baskets, hot meals, nights of shelter, rental assistance, clothing, Christmas toys for children, nursing home visitation, and disaster service response rely directly on community support and giving. Gingrich concludes, "During this holiday season we are constantly reminded of the hard work of all the volunteers and staff who spend the year making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate in Monroe County. We are thankful for all their efforts and are reminded of how the people of Monroe County give from their hearts each holiday season." 

 

For information about the Monroe County Salvation Army's programs, to request a Kettle to be placed at your business or volunteer to be a bell ringer, please call the Salvation Army at (570) 421-3050.

 

About The Salvation Army in Monroe County

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyeaststroudsburg.org

 

Contact: Major James Gingrich - 570-421-3050 - 12/10/14 - james.gingrich@use.salvationarmy.org