Fulton County Ohio Media

The Swanton area community has a well-deserved reputation of kindness and compassion when it comes helping those in need.  So often, events are organized to help a person or a family needing food or clothing to survive a challenging time in their lives; or monetary donations to cover medical expenses while being treated for a catastrophic illness.  The good Samaritans in Swanton always seem to step up whenever they see the opportunity to lessen a hardship for their neighbors.  The village is fortunate to have benevolent organizations such as the Swanton Lions Club, the Swanton Rotary and a host of church groups with a long history of community service.

Another example of this can be seen every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas when the Salvation Army conducts its Red Kettle Drive in the vestibule at the Kroger grocery store.  Donations are collected here and all the funds are spent within the Swanton community.  Over the years many people and many businesses and organizations have generously donated their time ringing the bell as Kroger customers leave the store. 

For many years Joe Kahl spearheaded this drive and, through his efforts including countless hours manning the bell, the Swanton Kroger was at or near the top in donations among all the Kroger stores in the Toledo area.  Joe was, essentially, a one-man Salvation Army.  He is no longer with us but the needs of the Swanton community remain and the Red Kettle Drive is in need of volunteers.

The Red Kettle Drive begins next Friday, November 24^th and wraps up on Saturday, December 23^rd.  There will be no Sunday collections.  Daily hours are from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM and bell-ringing shifts are just two hours.  To volunteer, you can go on-line at https://www.registertoring.com.  Enter the Swanton Zip Code (43558) then page down to find Swanton.  You can also call Melody Williams at 419-934-5090 or the Salvation Army’s main office at 419-241-1138.  Please help if you can.