Two Lorain service clubs have put their friendly rivalry into efforts for a good cause.
This year they will be at the Lorain Walmart Supercenter, 4380 North Leavitt Road. The Rotarians will be out 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 5., and the Lions will be out 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 12.
Because the club members know many people in town, supporters will come out and donate on the Lions and Rotary days with the kettles.
The clubs have a trophy for the one that raises the most money in a day.
“I’m proud to say we beat them every year, I think,” said Rotarian Ron Mantini.
The day is a treat, “as long as it’s not 20 below,” said Lion Glenn Owen.
“It’s just an enjoyable time every year,” Owen said. “It’s really enjoyable to see the kids. I think sometimes they get a bigger kick out of it than the parents.”
“It’s always a nice joy seeing little kids lining up,” Lions Club Secretary Mark Worden said. “Whatever money they have, they always have the biggest smiles. They know it’s going for something good; they know it’s going to help someone.”
One year outside the Kmart, Mantini said a man walked up with a frozen turkey to donate to the Salvation Army. It stayed cold due to the weather, he said.
“You see all kinds of people coming and going,” Mantini said. “Some of them probably can’t afford to do it, but they put in whatever they can.”
The Lions said they believe the bell-ringing effort started after the Great Tornado of 1924.
The Lorain Lions chapter was formed in 1922; the Lorain Rotary club formed in 1926.
The Lorain unit of the Salvation Army predates them both, starting about 1910. Its current office is at 2506 Broadway.
As far back as 1945 or 1946, Lion Ben Norton said he remembers going out with his father to ring the bell for Salvation Army.
Over the years, Lions President Ken Cromer joked the members are witnesses to climate change. They seem to all have memories of days out with the kettle when winter weather was especially brutal.
The patrons outside the Lorain post office were generous – and those at the liquor store, even more so.
“The liquor store guys would come out and throw in a lot more money,” said Lion Kim Worden said.
Lion Dan Smith credited Dave Burns for his efforts to sustain the fundraisers.
“He’s been getting the sign ups,” Smith said. “You need somebody in the club to take that on because it’s a milestone in the club year. He’s a very important Lion.”
In 2014, the Rotarians raised $744.53 outside the Walmart in Lorain, topping the Lions, who made $689.43 outside the Super K.
The money raised is part of the local Salvation Army’s annual local budget, said Lts. Jimmy and Melissa Susa, who run the Lorain center.
The organization uses proceeds to cover costs ranging from its food pantry to hot meals to holiday food baskets. The Salvation Army in October worked with 800 families in various ways.
“Everything will be for the community,” Jimmy Susa said. “It goes back to the community of Lorain.”
The clubs’ efforts are an inspiration and encouragement, he said, because it’s nice to know people are thinking of the Salvation Army. The clubs trust the unit to put the money to good use and in an effective way, Jimmy Susa said.
“It reflects that the community cares about the less fortunate,” Melissa Susa said.
They also thanked the stores that have allowed the kettles outside their doors. Around Lorain and neighboring communities, Salvation Army bell-ringers have been at Apples, Giant Eagle and Walmart stores.
Dropping coins and bills in the kettles is a way to give to ensure the money stays in the community, the Susas said.
“Every little thing counts,” Jimmy Susa said.
The club members said they wanted to advertise their efforts not necessarily for their own recognition.
Ringing the bells is fun, said Rotarian Phil Dore, but there is another side to the project that may not be as visible as the bright red kettles.
Last year, Dore served as coordinator for Rotary’s bell-ringing.
“When I went down to the Salvation Army to make the schedule out, I go to see the people who were going to be the beneficiaries of our efforts,” Dore said. “It was touching.”
The people waiting in line wore looks of desperation that turned into smiles when they received bags of food to take home and cook dinner for their families, Dore said.
“It’s about the people on the receiving end,” he said. “When I’m shivering a bit in that line, maybe it’s not so bad to shiver a little bit when I think about the people who are going to receive that help.”
The Salvation Army also is seeking donated toys to give to children this Christmas.
Anyone who wants to learn more can start with three online sources.
