ADJ students help ring Salvation Army Bell over weekend

By P.J. GLISSON

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Ironwood - Despite chilly temperatures on Saturday, students of A.D. Johnston Junior and Senior High School were out in force, collecting donations for the Salvation Army of Gogebic and Iron counties.

Lainey Kulak and MacKenzie Switzer, both juniors at ADJ, were ready with warm jackets and ready smiles to greet shoppers entering the Walmart store, off U.S. 2.

In conjunction with the collection was a toy drive done in cooperation with Walmart. Shoppers were encouraged to buy a toy to donate to a local child in need.

Jamie Stiffarm, who teaches peer-to-peer instruction at the school, was also present to work with the two girls, who spent the morning and early afternoon collecting donations and toys while also handing out candy to both kids and parents.

Dusty Boggs of Ironwood took over for them, as part of an ongoing chain of Salvation Army volunteers.

The Salvation Army division of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan is in Wauwatosa, Wis. It declares itself home to 26 worship and community centers; 67 service extension units; a summer camp for kids; and many homeless shelters, thrift stores and food pantries.

Salvationarmy.org states that service extension units are designed specifically for "suburban and rural communities where no Salvation Army facility is present."

Salvation Army services include emergency disaster relief; assistance with utilities, rent and food; holiday help; back-to-school supplies; and referral services. Services also include help in fighting addictions.

More information on the Salvation Army, including opportunities to volunteer, is available by calling Tom Bremer, field service representative for Iron and Gogebic counties, at 715-554-0177 or by visiting salvationarmy.org or salvation armywi.org.