Harvest of Love

Having already begun on Nov. 1 and lasting until Jan. 1, Harvey County Salvation Army is leading their annual Harvest of Love, a food and funding drive. During the two months of the fundraiser, the Salvation Army calls upon local donations, with the goal of raising $40,000 and 40,000 pounds of food for Harvey County residents in need.

The food bank itself, run by the Salvation Army and overseen by the Newton Ministerial Alliance, is the largest in all of Kansas. They receive donations of dry goods, non-perishables and financial gifts from churches, organization and individuals from all over Harvey County. Walmart, both Dillons in Newton, and local farmers contribute to the food bank.

Salvation Army Coordinator Barbara Lee said, “the boxes of food we give to families (each) weigh about 75 pounds, and on average, we give out anywhere from 100-125 boxes to Harvey County families every week.”    

During the Harvest of Love, the Salvation Army office displays charts in their windows. These charts reflect how much money has been raised at any given point of the drive. According to Lee the charts are usually updated after every $5,000 is raised.

James Wilson represents the Newton Ministerial Alliance, and deals closely with the Salvation Army. Wilson said that the main way the NMA participates in the fundraiser is by spreading the call to raise funds among their own congregations and organizations.

Tony Johnson, area pastor and head of the Newton Ministerial Alliance commented on the strength of Newton. Johnson said, “(yes)… we support the Harvest of Love, but we honestly don’t have to do much. When the drive starts happening, everybody in the community just stands up and gets involved.”