Aurora Lions ring bells for Salvation Army red kettle campaign

Aurora Noon Lions Club members helped raise $837 for the Aurora Salvation Army's red kettle campaign.

Susan Koepke, Noon Lions president, said a dozen Lions rang handbells from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in one-hour shifts on Friday, Nov. 18.

The location was the Jewel/Osco store at 1952 W. Galena Blvd. in Aurora.

Army Aurora Corps Major Joaquin Rangel said the local goal is $200,000, $50,000 less than last year.

The bell-ringing program runs through Dec. 24.

Donations support the annual working budget for the Salvation Army, including emergency assistance for people in need.

"The Salvation Army red kettle bells will ring in the holidays," Major Joaquin Rangel said. "The sound is a reminder of what the season is all about - bringing kindness, cheer and love to those in need.

"The more bells that ring, the more help we bring to families struggling in Aurora due to rising inflation," Major Rangel said.

Founded in 1922, Aurora Noon Lions Club is celebrating its centennial year through December.

Open to men and women interested in community service, the club meets at noon on the first and third Thursdays at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 27 S. Edgelawn Drive in Aurora.

Call (630) 892-8045 or visit auroranoonlions.org for more information.

With the motto "We Serve," Lions volunteers focus on supporting causes including hearing and vision impairment, hunger, the environment, diabetes and childhood cancer. Lions Clubs International is the largest service club organization in the world. Some 1.42 million members in more than 48,000 clubs serve in over 200 countries and geographic areas worldwide. Since 1917, Lions have strengthened local communities through hands-on service and humanitarian projects and extended service impact through the Lions Clubs International Foundation.

For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit lionsclubs.org.