
If you visited Wal Mart in Carmi during the shopping season and dropped some coin or paper money in the red kettle, give yourself a pat on the back. You helped raise nearly $25,000 during the Red Kettle Campaign. The Salvation Army in White County started around 1973 and a few years ago, Mike and Sheryl Blazier took the reins of the effort. The money that’s raised helps those right here in White County. Last year, the $21,000 raised went to support Wabash Area Development to help locals with everything from rent to utilities and other essentials. Additionally, the organization helps provide assistance with everything from motel stays, food vouchers, and goes to help stock local food pantries. Moreover, contributions are also made to local non-profits like Coins for Cancer, Carmi Compassion Center, and the Senior Citizens Center. This winter alone, Sheryl says they wanted to help White County seniors stay warm so by working with Egyptian Health Department, they were able to identify nearly a dozen individuals and provide them with blankets, gloves, hand warmers, and sock hats.