Over the past few weeks, I have been asked the same question several times. I probably should have written a letter or article before now, but I didn’t. Better late than never. I am the chairperson of the Mariposa Unit of the Salvation Army. The most asked questions are in regard to the money collected in our red kettles, what it is used for and where is it used?

The monies collected here in Mariposa stay in Mariposa. We do send 10 percent to San Francisco (which 70 percent of that is used for our various programs), but the rest is kept here. Locally, we purchase food, personal hygiene products, gasoline for clients to go to appointments or work/school, propane, some lodging, coats for under-privileged children (this year alone we’ve purchased almost 70 coats) and send foster and atrisk youth to camp in June (50- plus this past summer). We also provide wood and PG&E assistance through some of our various programs.

If donations are sent directly to SF by the public, that donation doesn not come back to Mariposa. All donations are greatly appreciated no matter where they’re sent to, but for Mariposa to benefit directly from them, they should be sent here. Our local phone number is 966- 3922, and the mailing address is P.O. Box 2185, Mariposa, CA 95338.

I’d also like to thank the following groups who have braved the cold and range the bells for us this year: Lutheran Women, Latter Day Saints Church, STAR, NARFE, ESCAPE Youth Group, Delta Nu Iota Sorority, VFW, American Legion, New Life Christian Fellowship (NLCF), NLCF Children’s Ministry, Kiwanis, Manna House, Rotary, Soroptimists, Golden Oaks Lions, United Methodist Women and the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of Mariposa.

A great big special thank you to the Dubberkes for allowing us to be at both of their shopping centers. Jason and Dieter know how to contribute to our community. And to those who dropped their money into our kettles, God bless you. Without your contributions we couldn’t do what we do. Merry Christmas to all.
Melanie Rose
The Salvation Army, Mariposa Unit