Ottawa County Salvation Army gives back

PORT CLINTON — The Port Clinton Salvation Army chapter will host three separate fundraising drives for the holiday season. The three events are the Salvation Army's annual Toy Drive, Coats for Families program and the Red Kettle Bucket. Here's an overview of each: Annual Toy Drive The Port Clinton Salvation Army will kick off this year's Toy Drive with an open house event. Businesses, churches and other organizations who want a toy collection site can call 419-732-2769 to RSVP to the First Annual Holiday Toy Kick-Off Open House. People can drop off new, unwrapped toy donations at one of the designated collection locations starting Thursday, Nov. 9. A complete list of drop-off locations can be found on the "The Salvation Army – Ottawa County, Ohio" Facebook page or at the office located at 1834 E. Perry St., Port Clinton. For an easy way to donate items, people can bring them to the Salvation Army Port Clinton Service Center, at the East Perry Street address, for the Channel 13 Hope for the Holidays drive-through toy drop-off event on Friday, Dec. 8. Coats for Families Drive The Salvation Army's annual Coats for Families drive will accept warm clothing donations starting Wednesday, Nov. 15 through January. Coats, hats and gloves can be dropped off at the drop-off locations listed on the Salvation Army's Facebook page. If people have questions regarding the drive call the Salvation Army at 419-732-2769. Ring in the year as a volunteer bell ringer The Port Clinton Salvation Army is looking for bell ringers to help support the organization's longstanding Red Kettle Christmas Campaign. This year's Red Kettle Christmas Campaign will start on Monday, Nov. 13 and run through Saturday, Dec. 23. All proceeds from the Red Kettle Christmas Campaign event will remain in Ottawa County. Those interested in volunteering as a bell ringer can sign up online at registertoring.com or by calling the Port Clinton Salvation Army's office at 419-732-2769. This new online tool will be unveiled at an open house at the Port Clinton Service Center from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 3, located at its office. Businesses, organizations and congregations are also encouraged to participate by adopting a kettle for a day and providing bell ringers for five two-hour shifts.