Mankato Salvation Army To host a Third Annual Bell-Ringer Blessing Event

The Salvation Army in Mankato is inviting community members, volunteer bell ringers, store managers, business leaders, and supporters to attend its inaugural Bell Ringer Blessing Event, a special gathering designed to inspire, commission, and pray over those participating in this year’s Christmas fundraising campaign.

“This is one of the most important seasons of the year for The Salvation Army,” said Captain Andy Wheeler, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army in Mankato. “Between now and the end of the year, we anticipate raising more than $625,000 to support critical ministries and services throughout our community.”

The Salvation Army of Mankato provides a variety of programs and services to individuals and families throughout Blue Earth County and North Mankato, including:

• Emergency Social Services: Assistance including eviction prevention, utility disconnects, non-narcotic prescription medications, identification replacement, and emergency transportation. Transportation assistance may include one-way bus tickets for individuals relocating to a safe destination, bus passes for individuals starting new employment, and gas vouchers when reliable transportation is needed for new employment.

• Clothing and Household Assistance: Vouchers for clothing and essential household items through the Salvation Army Family Store.

• Free Noon Meal Program: Community meals served Monday through Friday from noon to 1 p.m. Meals are provided dine-in and are open to anyone in need, excluding designated holidays.

• Day Shelter: A welcoming, pet-friendly daytime refuge for individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship. Open year-round, the Day Shelter provides access to meals and snacks, showers, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, phones, computers, water, and sunscreen, along with referrals and connections to community resources.

• Pathway of Hope: A family-focused initiative designed to help families with children overcome barriers, build stability, and work toward long-term goals.

• Permanent Supportive Housing: Housing and supportive services for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness who need ongoing assistance to maintain stable housing.

• Back-to-School Support: Annual community outreach providing backpacks, and shoes to help children prepare for the upcoming school year.

• Bundle Me Warm: Annual winter clothing outreach providing coats, hats, mittens, and other cold-weather essentials to individuals and families in need.

• Community Holiday Meals: Community meals served on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday, welcoming anyone in need of a meal and a place to gather.

• Church and Spiritual Ministries: Opportunities for worship, spiritual care, men’s and women’s ministries, and other faith-based outreach and fellowship.

“This season is busy for everyone, but we believe it’s important to begin with purpose and prayer,” said Captain Corey Wheeler, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army in Mankato. “The event will include live worship, encouragement, and a special time of blessing for those who have committed, or are considering committing, to serve as bell ringers during this year’s Christmas campaign.”

The Bell Ringer Blessing Event serves as both a celebration and a commissioning service, recognizing the volunteers, partners, and supporters whose efforts help ensure that The Salvation Army can continue providing hope, help, and healing to those who need it most throughout the year.