Bethel’s Part­ner­ship with Sal­va­tion Army: Pro­vid­ing a “Won­der­ful Life” to Kids in St. Joe County

MISHAWAKA, IND.—Bethel’s the­atre de­part­ment an­nounced they would be part­ner­ing with the Sal­va­tion Army to raise sup­port for chil­dren in St. Joseph County who are in need.  

The the­atre de­part­ment de­cided to per­form “It’s a Won­der­ful Life” last De­cem­ber and thought it would be a good idea to pair with a com­mu­nity or­ga­ni­za­tion to help with their Christ­mas-based ef­forts.  

“We also felt as a theatre department that we really do have ‘A Wonderful Life’. And to be able to help those we can in our community would be a blessing both to those receiving and those giving,” Barb Franklin said about the motivation behind the choice.    The theatre department reached out to the Salvation Army to see what they could do to help. The Salvation Army replied that the dates the play was going to be happening coincided with the kick off for red kettle collections.   The theatre department asked if the Salvation Army could put red kettles at the performances to give the community a chance to reach out to people in need.   “The Salvation Army was happy that we would want to help,” said Franklin about receiving the Salvation Army’s blessing.   The funds will go directly to purchasing hats, mittens, and warm socks to the children in St. Joseph County who are in need. The items will be packaged in angel tree boxes and shipped out before Christmas.