Christmas in July
The Salvation Army is conducting a red kettle drive to help with a funding shortfall.
Retired Salvation Army major and current volunteer Forrest McIntyre rings a bell by a red kettle in Ocala on Dec. 15, 2023. A Christmas in July kettle drive is underway until July 31. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
It’s not your imagination if you hear the tinkling of bells and spot a signature Salvation Army red kettle while shopping at a Marion County Walmart store in the July heat.
The Salvation Army of Ocala is holding a Christmas in July fund drive at area Walmart locations through July 31, according to retired SA Maj. Forrest McIntyre, who is overseeing the drive.
The funds raised will be used for the Center of Hope shelter, which now is operating on a “month to month” basis, McIntyre stated.
He said the local red kettle drive for the Christmas season of 2024 experienced a shortfall of funds.
McIntyre said the goal of the drive is $35,000 and that volunteers are needed especially in the southern part of the county.
To volunteer, call (352) 816-1059.
Support community journalism
The first goal of the Ocala Gazette is to deliver trustworthy local journalism so corruption, misinformation and abuse are not hidden from the public or unchallenged.
