The Salem Ministerial Alliance Community Fund Drive has a goal of $15,000 this year.
President Phil Martin of the First Christian Church says the goal was dropped from the $25,000 of past years due to the impact of COVID-19 on both individuals and businesses in Salem. Unfortunately, Martin says at the same time COVID-19 is increasing the need by those who have lost their job or who have borrowed money from friends to get by.
The Community Fund is used throughout the year to help area residents who have fallen on hard financial times. It provides assistance with utilities, rent, medications, and emergency housing.
The drive is off to a good start. During the first partial weekend of Bell Ringing the weekend before Thanksgiving, $2,800 was collected. Another $2,200 has been collected so far from the business solicitation. The $5,000 represents a third of the total goal.
The bell-ringing will be held the next three Friday and Saturday at Salem IGA, CVS, and Rural King. Any donations are appreciated.
Those who wish to mail donations may do so to the Salem Ministerial Alliance at Box 1320 in Salem, IL 62881.
The Ministerial Alliance also operates the Food Pantry and until the pandemic hit provided Power Packs to send home with students on weekends who were from food insufficient homes.
