The sounds of Christmas bells will be in the air on Saturday, July 23, when local Salvation Army bell ringers set up at locations around Newtown.

This will be a special “Christmas in July” collection to help supply schools with backpacks and school supplies as well as support the increased need for help due to rising food and gas costs this year. The back-to-school supplies will go directly to families that the schools helped identify.

The Red Kettles will be at the following locations: Bagel Delight, 30 Church Hill Road, 8 am-1 pm; Dunkin’ Donuts, 6 Queen Street, 8 am-noon; Newtown General Store, 43 Main Street, 8 am-1 pm; Stop & Shop, within Sand Hill Plaza, 228 South Main Street, 9 am-4 pm; and Yankee Wine & Spirits, 6 Queen Street, 12-4 pm.

Who Gets Helped

The local unit of the Salvation Army, in partnership with the Newtown Human Services Department, addresses emergency needs of Newtown residents. 90% of all funds raised from the Newtown Salvation Army Red Kettle collection stays in Newtown to help those in need of assistance.

The current rising prices of food, gas, and utility costs have presented an increased need for help to Newtown residents. These rising costs have caused families to make tough choices: Fill the gas tank or buy dinner tonight? Car repairs or grocery shopping?

To address this, the national Salvation Army provided food during the COVID-19 pandemic to the local Human Services Department with weekly deliveries of perishable and non-perishable goods to distribute in town.

The Human Services Department has seen a growing need for assistance paying oil and electric bills, rent and other housing payments in addition to food, clothing, medical assistance, and auto expenses. In partnership with The Salvation Army, families and individuals will always have their basic needs addressed.

As a result of last year’s Christmas in July collection, the Salvation Army was able to assist the Human Services Department help Newtown families buy back-to-school supplies and back-to-school clothing for their children. The local schools were also a big help in identifying the needs of these families.

How To Help

Readers can help with time and/or money. For those who can spare an hour to ring on July 23 visit rebrand.ly/salvationarmy4664e3 to view open times and sign up online. According to local chapter member Steve Bennett, as of Monday, July 18, there are one-hour openings available beginning at 9 am, 10 am and 11 am at Dunkin' Donuts; and noon at Newtown General Store, Stop & Shop, and Yankee Wine & Spirits.

To check on or request a time slot, Salvation Army Chair Glenn Nanavaty can also be contacted at 203-788-2762 (call or text) or gnanavaty7746@yahoo.com.

For those who do not have time to ring or will be unable to donate at any of the bell ringing locations on July 23, donations from individuals and businesses can be mailed to Newtown Salvation Army c/o Newtown Center for Support and Wellness, 28 Trades Lane, Newtown CT 06470.