To the Editor:

SHELTER FROM THE STORM

“In a little hilltop village
They gambled for my clothes
I bargained for salvation
And she gave me a lethal dose
I offered up my innocence
And I got repaid with scorn
‘Come in,’ she said, ‘I’ll give ya
shelter from the storm'”

Bob Dylan, “Shelter from the Storm”, v. 9.

This year’s Salvation Army Hope Center Red Kettle Campaign kickoff was on November 9 and the annual fundraising campaign runs through December 24^th.  The Hope Center is a shelter for the homeless and provides meals for the hungry.  The Hope Center also offers assistance for residents seeking employment and help for those residents battling addiction and mental illness. It is our hope that God might guide those of us who are volunteering to ring bells and inspire our community to contribute.

The funds that we raise will help the Hope Center to continue its mission.  Jesus Christ is the one who breaks the power of drug and alcohol addition, and He is our hope in this world.  In Isaiah 40:31, the prophet says that “. . . those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

The Salvation Army Hope Center in Stevens Point is open 24/7 – 365 days/year.  In 2017, 26,382 meals were served and 12,586 room nights were provided to those in need of “Shelter from the Storm.”

Please volunteer to ring bells at RegisterToRing.com or call 715-341-2437.

Jared Redfield
Stevens Point