Cowlitz 2 Fire Cadets Aid Salvation Army in Kettle Drive Donations

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Every Christmas season students from the Cowlitz 2 Fire Science high school program donate their time and support the Salvation Army kettle drive by ringing bells for donations. The students will be ringing bells for donations on Tuesday, December 20th, 2011 between 9am and 5pm at five locations throughout the Longview and Kelso area.

The fire cadets will be dressed up in their bunker gear and stationed at JC Penny, Macys, and Fred Meyer among others. " The Salvation Army is a great cause and it's a great way to give back to the community," says Kelso senior Brenden Wilcox who is in his second year of the program. The head of the Fire Science Program Chief Jack Smith comments on the students' efforts, "Our fire academy is based on values. Giving back to the community is a big part of what we teach here. Salvation Army has provided us a great opportunity to do just that. The kids have a lot of fun doing this."

The Salvation Army is a tax free, nonprofit charitable organization. It was started by William Booth in 1852. His message of the people, "The Christian Mission", starting with only 10 full time workers and by 1874 the numbers had grown to 1,000 volunteers and 42 evangelists. Their mission was to preach the gospel and meet human needs. This "volunteer army" spread rapidly to Canada, Australia, France, etc. For every dollar received from donations 82 cents stays within the community it was raised in. Last year during their "kettle season", which runs from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, they raised $69,000. from donations at local businesses. Salvation Army also provides daily lunches Monday through Friday, rental assistance, and clothing/personal care items for those in need, according to a Salvation Army spokesperson.

The high school Fire Science program, started in 1996, teaches fundamentals of firefighting, community involvement, integrity and discipline. The classes include students from all over Cowlitz county. The program has helped produce 7 career firefighters and countless volunteers.



Author:Cowlitz 2 Fire Rescue Press Release