Big Ring returns this holiday season

The Salvation Army in Grand Forks is getting ready for its biggest fundraising event of the year tomorrow (Tuesday) with the Big Ring 2022.

First initiated by Leighton Broadcasting in 2004 the “Big Ring” has partnered with Valley Dairy since 2008.  In addition to the traditional Red Kettles the event includes a silent auction and a cash match for every gallon of gas sold.

It comes at a time when the need for services is going up.  The Salvation Army is one of many organizations seeing a growing demand for food.

Sue Shirek of the Northlands Rescue Mission in Grand Forks says all food cupboards are being hit hard.  “Our food pantry is low on food right now.  Two days last week we had to shut down our pantry because we had zero food to give away.”

The Salvation Army has set a holiday goal of raising $400,000 dollars – $160,000 through this the kettle campaign.

This year’s Big Ring features two locations: 4701 South Washington and the store near Washington and University Avenue.

Over the weekend UND’s Mortar Board handed out Turkey Baskets to some 1300 low income families in the Greater Grand Forks area.