ABOVE: The donation drop-off trailer is located on the north side of the admissions office at the Martin County Fairgrounds in Fairmont. The trailer will be available from noon to 7 p.m. through Sunday. Non-perishable food and supplies will be accepted.
FAIRMONT — The Salvation Army’s Kamps for Kids food drive is taking place at the Martin County Fair this year. Last year was the first year that KSUM, 106.5 Lakes FM, the Photo Press and the Sentinel organized the drive at the fairgrounds.
Traditionally, the three spend a winter “red bag” However, since the amount of donations in recent years has been too low, an additional campaign was started at the fair to significantly increase the amount of donations for non-perishable food.
Vicki Bicknase is the Sales Manager at 106.5 Lakes FM. Bicknase and Krystal Stover (Salvation Army case manager) have been supporting the Kamps for Kids food drive for several years. The food drive began with Salvation Army members camping overnight near the 1000 block of East Blue Earth Avenue. At that time, donors and volunteers who received the red bags in their newspaper delivered the goods to the workers camping there. From there, the Salvation Army distributed the accumulated supplies to those in need.
“We have been using the trailer for the second year now,” Bicknase said: “We only received £1,083 in donations (last year).”
While the Salvation Army no longer uses red bags, Bicknase said the Boy Scouts of Martin County have been generous and substantial in helping with food collection and distribution. Instead of red bags, the Boy Scouts are leaving sticky notes on every door in various towns in Martin County. A week later, the Boy Scouts will go out and collect bags of supplies left on doorsteps for those in need. Bicknase reported that this method (without red bags) has saved a significant amount of money that has been used to prepare for charity events.
“Compared to previous years, not as many people help with the charity, so the Scouts help a lot. I am so grateful that they do this,” said Bicknase.
Due to the significant drop in donations, Krystal Stover discussed and considered ideas to increase donations. Bicknase and Stover both recognized that the Martin County Fair is a well-attended and vibrant event, making it a suitable place to raise funds. Bicknase implored the Martin County Fair Board to allow a fundraising trailer to be placed next to the admissions office at both entrances to the Martin County Fairgrounds. The Fair Board approved Bicknase’s plan, and the Salvation Army trailer was placed during fair week in August 2023.
“It gives all of us here at the station a good feeling to be able to help,” Said Bicknase.
The donations collected will then be taken to people in Martin County who are experiencing economic hardship and need additional support to feed and protect themselves and their families. With Kystral Stover’s skills as a social worker who is passionate about serving the community, she is able to create plans for those seeking help from The Salvation Army. Campaign staff hope this new trailer will increase donations to help people generously, especially during the winter. Now that the trailer is part of the Martin County Fair, The Salvation Army plans to add it to the fair in future years as well.
“Hopefully we can continue like this. The fair brings many people together, there is a lot of attraction and attention. It brings people together,” said Bicknase.
Items that can be donated to the food bank include dry goods, canned goods, packaged chips, baby items, warm clothing, toiletries and more. Do not donate dairy-based goods that are dented, damaged, torn, improperly packaged or expired. For more information about the Salvation Army’s mission and how you can support local food banks, visit their website.
The Salvation Army Campaign for Kids food bank will allow donations at the North and South entrances from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. during the Martin County Fair through August 18. Tags with the Salvation Army logo will be available for donations next to the entrance booth.
