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The latest unemployment report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that unemployment inched up .4 percent between March and May and job growth in the private sector was slower than anticipated.
And government jobs continued to trend downward, according to the latest report.
For local human service groups, that means a continued demand for resources and according to Capt. Rick Hamelund, the Salvation Army is no different. From 5 to 9 p.m. July 22, the Army will host its annual summer dinner and auction at its location at 600 Walnut St. in Leavenworth.
He said the goal for the benefit is to raise $15,000, which will help support some of the programs that the Army is in charge of. According to Shelly O’Boynick, president of the Salvation Army board, the silent auction is expected to begin at 5:30 p.m. and the live auction at 7 p.m. She said there are more than 100 items on the auction block, including a children’s sized electric race car donated by Balls Food Stores, a gift certificate for $500 off a new vehicle at Speedway Dodge and a pair of Oakley sunglasses valued at $110, donated by Family Eye Care Center.
Hamelund said the auction and dinner is the second-largest Salvation Army fundraiser of the year, next to the Red Kettle campaign that takes place during the Christmas season.
And like that fundraiser, O’Boynick said the summer dinner and auction gives a boost to programs benefiting Leavenworth.
“The funds raised here stay here,” she said.
According to Hamelund, that includes some of the programs that have seen more needs because of the state of the economy and increases in unemployment.
“Utility assistance, that’s huge, and food is big,” Hamelund said.
On the food side, Hamelund said the recent Stamp Out Hunger drive by the U.S. Postal Service filled the shelves at the Army’s pantry, which had just previously been almost empty. He said the Army had before that been buying food to give out in order to meet the demand not only from those in need who typically rely on the pantry, but new faces as well.
“We’re seeing a big increase in that,” Hamelund said of the food assistance program.
The funds raised during the dinner will also help support the Salvation Army’s other programs like the youth and church programs, summer camps and emergency disaster relief.
O’Boynick said tickets are on sale in advance or at the door for $10 each. Tickets can be ordered by calling 682-6523.
The latest unemployment report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that unemployment inched up .4 percent between March and May and job growth in the private sector was slower than anticipated.
And government jobs continued to trend downward, according to the latest report.
For local human service groups, that means a continued demand for resources and according to Capt. Rick Hamelund, the Salvation Army is no different. From 5 to 9 p.m. July 22, the Army will host its annual summer dinner and auction at its location at 600 Walnut St. in Leavenworth.
He said the goal for the benefit is to raise $15,000, which will help support some of the programs that the Army is in charge of. According to Shelly O’Boynick, president of the Salvation Army board, the silent auction is expected to begin at 5:30 p.m. and the live auction at 7 p.m. She said there are more than 100 items on the auction block, including a children’s sized electric race car donated by Balls Food Stores, a gift certificate for $500 off a new vehicle at Speedway Dodge and a pair of Oakley sunglasses valued at $110, donated by Family Eye Care Center.
Hamelund said the auction and dinner is the second-largest Salvation Army fundraiser of the year, next to the Red Kettle campaign that takes place during the Christmas season.
And like that fundraiser, O’Boynick said the summer dinner and auction gives a boost to programs benefiting Leavenworth.
“The funds raised here stay here,” she said.
According to Hamelund, that includes some of the programs that have seen more needs because of the state of the economy and increases in unemployment.
“Utility assistance, that’s huge, and food is big,” Hamelund said.
On the food side, Hamelund said the recent Stamp Out Hunger drive by the U.S. Postal Service filled the shelves at the Army’s pantry, which had just previously been almost empty. He said the Army had before that been buying food to give out in order to meet the demand not only from those in need who typically rely on the pantry, but new faces as well.
“We’re seeing a big increase in that,” Hamelund said of the food assistance program.
The funds raised during the dinner will also help support the Salvation Army’s other programs like the youth and church programs, summer camps and emergency disaster relief.
O’Boynick said tickets are on sale in advance or at the door for $10 each. Tickets can be ordered by calling 682-6523.
