The holidays are quickly approaching, but for many less fortunate, they can be trying times. Inflation and energy prices are both on the rise, and so for many it will be even harder to make ends meet through the end of the year.

The Salvation Army of Hobbs is reaching out to all of Lea County to make the holidays sparkle a little more for area residents in need. They have several holiday-specific programs scheduled to help the community.

Thanksgiving Dinner 

This coming Monday, November 22 a hot Thanksgiving Community Dinner will be served in drive-through fashion, at 820 South Fowler Street, from 6:00 — 8:00 pm. “Come pick up a plate,” states the Hobbs Salvation Army on its Facebook page. 

Food Bank

The Hobbs Salvation Army also has a food bank for the residents of Hobbs and all of Lea County. “We will take all food donations and will get that food into the hands of hungry senior citizens, children, individuals and families,” comments the Hobbs Salvation Army staff.

The organization also provides a delivery service for “at risk senior citizens”. 

The food pantry is open Monday – Friday from 1:00 –3:45 pm and is located in Hobbs at 520 East Main Street. 

A large walk-in refrigerator and freezer plus two warehouses allow space for ample food storage “until it gets into the hands of the hungry.” For specific information contact the food bank’s Executive Director Manuela Carrillo at 393-9580.

Red Kettle Drive

The 2021 Lea County Red Kettle campaign is underway. The drive’s kick-off was hosted at the Hobbs Country Club, on Wednesday, November 10. 

The concept of a drive to collect funds to help the needy dates back to 1891. It was the brainchild of Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee who wracked his brain to think of a way to collect the necessary money to provide a free Christmas dinner to the needy in his community, San Francisco. 

Through the years Captain McFee’s original idea has been embellished and refined and has spread worldwide. “Captain McFee’s kettle idea launched a tradition that has spread not only throughout the United States, but all across the world. Kettles are now used in such distant lands as Korea, Japan, Chile and many European countries. Everywhere, public contributions to Salvation Army kettles enable the organization to continue its year-round efforts at helping those who would otherwise be forgotten,” states the Salvation Army USA website. 

The Salvation Army of Hobbs thanks everyone for their support of the 2021 Red Kettle Kick Off. Special appreciation is extended this year’s named sponsors:

• Gold $1,500 Sponsor – GEO Group, Inc., administrator of the Lea County Correctional Facility.
• Silver $1,000 Sponsors – Albertsons Market of Hobbs and Martin Boot Company. 
• Red  $500 Sponsors – Core Realty, Covenant Health and Nor-Lea Hospital District, Lovington. 
• Event Sponsors – United Realty, LLC., Oceans Behavioral Health Hospital and Pioneer Bank. 

Salvation Army volunteers will be standing by their red kettles ringing bells on street corners and in front of shops and businesses all around Lea County throughout the holiday season. When you pass-by, give generously. Every cent dropped in the pot goes to help Lea County friends and neighbors in need, not only throughout the Christmas season but also all year around.