To the editor:

I’m writing to ask you to support the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign, which is a grassroots giving program sustained by nickels and dimes and dollar bills, and is the expression of generosity by thousands in our area.

Each year at this time, I read post after post on Facebook urging people not to give money to our local bellringers based on the misinformation that the Salvation Army discriminates against LGBTQ people.

On its website, the Salvation Army states: “In providing programs and services, The Salvation Army is committed to accommodating all those in need without unlawful discrimination or harassment based on age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic in accordance with our capacity to help.” https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/about-us/service-to-all/.

Then, follow these links to two concrete examples: a Salvation Army transgender shelter in Las Vegas, https://www.reviewjournal.com/life/transgender-homeless-finding-more-options-in-las-vegas/, and the SA’s yearly booths in annual LGBTQ pride events in several cities, where they offer free sunscreen and information about their services: https://caringmagazine.org/why-the-salvation-army-has-a-presence-at-pride-events/. There are many other examples.

Second, the Salvation Army does not discriminate against its LGBTQ employees. Follow this link to hear testimonials by two gay employees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKan0IIJSak. Although it’s true the Salvation Army is religiously opposed to same-sex marriage and espouses other beliefs I don’t support, as a lesbian married to my partner of 35 years, I can and have chosen a religion that fits my beliefs. But when I drop money into a red kettle, I am not supporting a religion.

What I am supporting is this: 90% of the money raised stays right here in the Saranac Lake area. Many, many of our neighbors who are struggling to survive are helped by the coins and folded money dropped into the red kettles. The donations are disbursed by the premier helping organization in Saranac Lake, the Ecumenical Council. The Council founded or helped to found these crucial programs: the Food Pantry, the Youth Center, the Lunch Box program, Habitat for Humanity, Samaritan House, and Grace Pantry.

The Council has a children’s fund that is used to purchase new winter clothes for elementary and middle school children from needy families, a program that provides holiday meals for those who might otherwise go without, a program that helps with rent, phone bills, electric bills and more. And heating bills: a family can receive only one NY HEAP benefit grant each year, and the Council has stepped in many times to warm a family after that benefit has been used.

Last year, the Red Kettle Campaign raised more than $10,000, which means $9,000 went to help friends and neighbors in need. Won’t you please give generously when you see a counter bucket at local businesses or the bell ringers at the post office and Kinney Drugs?

In this time of drastic cuts to programs that provide critical help to ordinary people, you have a chance to make a difference right here, at home. Give generously.

Ann Munroe Mullen

Saranac Lake