Salvation Army Elgin Corps partners with Napleton Kia for 'Feed Our Souls' food drive
The Salvation Army Elgin Corps Community Center is partnering with Napleton's Elgin Kia for "Feed Our Souls" food drive to provide food boxes for 375 families in need this Christmas season.
The concept was developed by Steve Napleton, general manager of Napleton's Elgin Kia, to park four brand new Kia Soul cars, Kia's fun crossover vehicle of Hamster fame, in their showroom at 909 E. Chicago St. in Elgin, from Dec. 1-16.
Each Kia will collect specific foods including: a 5 lb. bags of potatoes, canned corn and green beans, stuffing, and pies or cake mixes needed to fill 375 food boxes. All food must be fresh, sealed, and store bought. No homemade items allowed.
Napleton states, "We're excited to partner with The Salvation Army to make the holidays a little better for local families. We're hoping for a great turnout!"
The food will be delivered after Dec. 16 to The Salvation Army for packing of food boxes to be distributed starting Dec. 20 to prequalified families. According to Captain Heather Montenegro, corps officer of The Salvation Army Elgin, "Anytime we can partner with wonderful companies like Napleton Kia, we increase our impact in our community. Because of partners like them, we can meet the needs of our neighbors."
Donations of food items can be dropped off between now and Dec. 16. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays.
Financial donations are appreciated and will be used to purchase chickens for the food boxes. Please make checks out to: The Salvation Army of Elgin and drop in the red kettle at Napleton's Elgin Kia dealership at 909 E. Chicago St., Elgin.
There are other ways to help provide for families in need.
• Angel Tree & Adopt-A-Family. Give the gift of toys and clothing to a child in need this Christmas season or support a family with toys and food. For information, contact Captain Heather Montenegro, (847) 741-2304, or heather_montenegro@usc.salvationarmy.org.
• Virtual Angel Tree. This program is good for companies or families who would like to host a tree but do not have a location for a physical tree. This is also great for large companies with multiple site locations. For this program to be successful, the sponsor must be able to reach their potential donor electronically.
For information, visit www.salarmyelgin.org or sign up for a Virtual Angel Tree at elgin.theangelgivingtree.org.
• Volunteer Bellringers Needed. Due to a shorter bellringing season there is a shortfall in red kettle donations. Volunteers are crucial to the success of the Red Kettle Campaign and The Salvation Army Elgin Corps is asking the community for their help. Individuals, businesses, service clubs, churches and families are invited to register for bellringing shifts either online at www.registertoring.com or call (847) 741-2304 for more information.
To volunteer, contact Captain Heather Montenegro at heather_montenegro@usc.salvationarmy.org. For more information, visit www.salarmyelgin.org or like them on Facebook @tsaelgin.
The Salvation Army has served the Elgin community for over 100 years of dedicated service. The Elgin Corps provides basic human needs such as food, clothing, toiletries, as well as and case management, financial, and spiritual assistance to those in need. The Elgin Corps is located in at 316 S. Douglas Ave and is part of The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division.
The Napleton Family operates more than 50 dealerships in four states. Taking pride in helping each community they live and work in, the Napleton Family name has become synonymous with excellence and teamwork. What started as a small family-owned business has blossomed into one of the most forward-thinking dealership groups in the country.