The Bristol Salvation Army Honors Donors and Volunteers

BRISTOL, CT– On Monday, March 26th, The Salvation Army in Bristol held an awards banquet honoring donors, kettle workers and volunteers from the soup kitchen. “Today we wanted to have an opportunity to serve the soup kitchen volunteers,” said Lieutenant Shareena Echavarria, officer at The Salvation Army in Bristol. “They’re able to sit down and have a meal.” Many of the soup kitchen volunteers have served faithfully for the last few years. Each soup kitchen volunteer received an Outstanding Service Award and the red kettle workers and donors received a Certificate of Appreciation for their generous contributions.

The Lion’s Club, The Elk’s Lodge and ESPN were among the organizations recognized for their contributions. The Salvation Army’s Advisory Board members are very active in Bristol and were honored on this day as well. “We are so blessed by them,” said Lieutenant Echavarria. “We do a lot in this building, but it’s really nice to have people reach out in the community and make connections for us.”

A long time ago, Wayne Fish, a Red Kettle bell ringer, was in need and sought food at The Salvation Army’s Soup Kitchen. Over the last five years, he’s brought his phone to play music and sing along to Christmas music while he rings the bell, raising much-needed funds for The Salvation Army. “I had a lot of people come up to me last season saying I had a great voice,” Fish said. “I’ll do it till my body gives out.” Fish believes in The Salvation Army and everything they do to help the Bristol community including the soup kitchen and giving toys to children during the holidays. Rebecca Bard received the Golden Kettle award, given to the red kettle worker that raised the most funds.

Those looking to volunteer in the soup kitchen or to sort toys or ring bells during the holidays can visit: salvationarmyct.org, message the Bristol Salvation Army on Facebook, or call (860)583-4651.