Day: November 19, 2023

LINK TO PURCHASE HERE

LINK TO PURCHASE HERE

I imagine Kenny Spent All Day Saturday Cranking Out Some Cardio. #savage

Yellow Line…

40 Beach St, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944

 (978) 704-9388

Attention fellow citizens: 

As a lifelong resident and business owner, I have been blessed to live in this beautiful community. A community that is not only physically beautiful but one that is extremely generous and kind. As the holiday season approaches, it’s once again time for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Drive. As coordinator for Gloucester & Manchester, I’m asking for your time and your help. Bell ringers are desperately needed! 

Presently we have a housing crisis, a mental health crisis, and an economy that works very well for a small group of people, but not for those most in need. It has become increasingly more expensive to be poor. Just look at housing costs, food prices, utility bills, and the interest rates that the financial institutions charge in the poorest of communities. The average age of poverty is increasing too, with seniors on a fixed income becoming the fastest growing population to suffer this plight. These are some of the many reasons why I ring the bell for the Salvation Army and why I am happy to coordinate this effort. 

Ask anyone who has contributed their time ringing the bell and you will hear some amazing stories. As people place money in the red kettle, they speak about their own personal experiences… when they were in the service and on leave, or when their home burnt down and they had no place to stay, when they lost their job, or got sick, or were battling addiction. When they were down and out, and when all else failed, the Salvation Army was there for them. It was the Salvation Army who helped pay the bills, sheltered them, provided clothing, food, or money to help them get through. Nobody asks to be poor and everyone’s circumstances are 

different. 

Just as our fellow neighbors in financial distress rely on the Salvation Army, the Salvation Army relies on the community to provide the necessary support to continue its many services and programs. We are hopeful you will be able to help us in our efforts and volunteer to be a bell ringer. Shifts are 2 hours long and you can sign up for as many days as you would like to be scheduled. PLEASE share this message with your friends, your families, and the members of any organization you are associated with. If we all work together, our mission of helping more families in need will be achieved. 

We are deeply grateful to have about 15 to 20 dedicated bell ringers. They are awesome! But their efforts alone are not enough. We could really use 40 to 50 volunteers, even for a single two-hour stint. We ring the bell at Market Basket at Gloucester Crossing between the hours of 9am and 5pm. Scheduling is flexible. Anyone wishing to sign up for one or more shifts can call the Gloucester House at 978-283-1812. Just ask to speak to Sandra, Gina or Lenny and we’ll sign you up. Just one shift can make a big difference! 

All of the money raised by our Red Kettle Drive stays local and serves the people of our community. Over the last 6 or 7 years we have raised close to $150,000. That money has helped many people in need. But poverty never goes away and the need remains for so many others. This Christmas season, please consider giving the gift of time to this worthy cause. A most precious gift to give. 

For those who are unable to volunteer to ring the bell, donations are gladly accepted. Please make checks payable to: The Salvation Army. Checks can be mailed to The Gloucester House 63 Rogers St. Gloucester, MA 01930. Wishing you, your family, and friends good health through the holiday season. May God bless you all! Lenny Linquata

I was drawn like a magnet to the breakwater at sunset recently.

NOVEMBER 17, 2023 ~ TRIXY546