The Salvation Army needs help creating change and providing hope throughout the community. Foran’s Key Club and Interact Club fundraise for the Milford Salvation Army so others have the ability to live a quality life. This money helps fund rehabilitation programs that heal addictions, change lives and restore families. 

     According to the Salvation Army, 25 million people are in need of food, shelter and social services. 

     Foran’s Key Club advisor, Catherine Ganun, states, “The Milford Salvation Army uses the money to help provide families with heat as well as helping seniors pay for medications.” In 2019, the Foran Key Club was able to raise $4,500 for the Milford Salvation Army. 

     During the holiday season, Key Club rings bells, raising money at multiple locations throughout Milford. Key Clubbers can be found at Boscov’s on Boston Post Road and at Stop and Shop on East Town Road. These locations attract many people and therefore, it is a great opportunity to collect donations. 

     Ganun emphasized, “We didn’t have the opportunity to ring the bell last year due to Covid-19.” These volunteer opportunities are limited post pandemic, however they do still exist. 

     Junior Logan Aronson had a very fulfilled and satisfying feeling after ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. 

     Aronson states, “I felt like I was actively helping the community by doing good by the Milford Salvation Army.” 

     While this task is easy to complete, it provides a unique experience for the volunteers involved. Aronson stated that when volunteers ring the bell, they set up the red bell, play festive music, and spread holiday cheer.

     Aronson further explained, “We played Christmas music and wore Santa hats; this attracted people and brought in more donations.”

     It is important to give back the community for everything it has done. Ganun explained, “We all need to be compassionate and show kindness by helping those in need.” 

     To further show support towards the Salvation Army, there are many alternative ways to give back. This includes donating money, clothes, goods, or even creating a fundraiser.  These donations can be given to any of the Salvation Army stores. For more information, the Salvation Army can be contacted through https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/ways-to-give/.