The Loop Newspaper - Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide

Winter is a season that often brings joy, family time and good food. But for many, it also poses significant financial challenges and emotional stress. Last winter, The Salvation Army and its dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly to bring comfort and support to those in need during the holidays.

Without volunteer support and the generous donations from the community through the kettle campaign, register donations at Albertsons and direct donations, many families would have gone through the winter cold, hungry and without means to celebrate Christmas last year.

Here are the things Salvation Army's volunteers and supporters made possible in winter 2023:

November Coat Drive

Tehachapi winters are known to be very cold and extreme at times. As winter weather fast-approached, volunteers at the November Coat Drive distributed more than 1,000 community-donated jackets, sweaters and hoodies, helping to warm the bodies and hearts of more than 260 families in a single day.

Thanksgiving Boxes

A group of 50 Salvation Army volunteers embodied the spirit of giving by serving 364 local households a Thanksgiving dinner box.

Their dedication ensured that food boxes, filled with ingredients for a traditional feast, including a gift card for groceries and a turkey or ham, reached those families who may have otherwise gone hungry on the holiday.

Christmas Boxes

The Christmas Box initiative gave 257 households the opportunity to have a proper Christmas dinner. Additionally, 38 community members packed and distributed the community-sourced food boxes and grocery gift cards, volunteering their time to ensure families could celebrate Christmas with a fresh, warm dinner.

Christmas Toys

The Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program brought smiles to the faces of 392 children this year, thanks to the generous support of the community, which raised over 400 toy donations. The commitment of volunteers and the generosity of Tehachapi citizens ensured nearly 400 children would be able to open presents on Christmas morning, making the season just a little brighter for so many families.

Kettle Campaign

The sound of ringing bells and the iconic red kettles have long been recognized as The Salvation Army's Kettle Campaign, the organization's biggest fundraiser.

In 2023, with enthusiastic volunteers contributing over 365 hours, the campaign raised a total of $35,555. Savemart, Albertsons and Walmart were great facilitators of the fundraiser by allowing The Salvation Army to have kettles in front of their stores. Money raised by the campaign goes directly back into the community by funding things such as the November coat drive, the holiday boxes and gift cards.

Community Service

We extend our sincere thanks to both The Salvation Army volunteers who dedicated their time, energy and compassion to make a positive impact in their community, and to the many donors who helped make these programs a reality. The collective efforts of the Tehachapi community have undoubtedly made last winter warmer and brighter for countless local individuals and families.

To the Tehachapi community: The impact of The Salvation Army's work extends even farther beyond the countless tangible items distributed through their programs. It also serves as a testament to the strength of the community, which, time and time again, has come together to uplift one another during challenging times.

Your contributions have made a lasting difference and are an embodiment of the true spirit of generosity and community service. Whether through volunteering time or making a donation, each contribution plays a vital role in creating a more compassionate and thriving community.

To learn more about how you can support The Salvation Army's mission, visit http://www.facebook.com/tehachapicommunitycenter/.

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