Borough businesses help Salvation Army
SAXONBURG — Six borough businesses were recognized Tuesday for their efforts during the holiday season.
Members of the Saxonburg Area Business Association donated their time and money to help the Saxonburg Salvation Army raise $10,645.
According to Karen Gillespie-Boltz, human services coordinator for the Saxonburg Salvation Army, “they raised 13 percent more than 2012.”
Michelle Monsour, chairman of the Saxonburg Salvation Army, gave the certificates to Wain Landscaping, Citizens Bank, the South Butler Community Library, The Yoma Room, Northwood Realty and Northwest Consumer for donating their time to the Red Kettle Campaign.
Monsour talked with the business group before the holiday season and asked for its help with the Red Kettle Campaign. The six businesses each took a day to ring the bell for the “Kettle for a Day” program, which was in the Friedman's grocery store in Saxonburg.
Gloria Winters, branch manager at the Citizens Bank in Saxonburg, said, “We would like to do it again.”
This was the first year the bank participated.
Volunteers from the companies took one or two hour shifts throughout their day to ring the bell and bring awareness to the Saxonburg Salvation Army.
Erin Wincek, director of the South Butler Community Library, said, “It was a wonderful experience.”
Board and staff members from the library spent a day taking shifts ringing the bell.
“It was a great way to reach the community,” Wincek said.
This was the fifth year the Northwood Realty staff donated their time to Kettle for a Day.
Joyce Hutterer, a Realtor with Northwood, said, “We look at it as an opportunity to give back.”
The money raised will help families from Saxonburg, Sarver and Cabot. This means the money is used to help local families.
Phil Wain, president of the business association and owner of Wain Landscaping, said, “They only service for the three zip codes.”
This help comes in many ways, including school needs, grocery vouchers and Project Bundle Up. The money raised also helps families with their rent and assisting them in getting Christmas gifts for their children.
