Mike Moran

Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction

The coronavirus pandemic has affected not only businesses, but also nonprofit organizations in the Grand Valley.

Capt. Joe West, director of the Salvation Army in Grand Junction, said demand for services has increased even as the pandemic forced the closure of a thirft store that generated revenue.

But recent efforts by two Mesa County service clubs raised money for the Salvation Army as well as a project to provide playgrounds for local children.

On Dec. 5, members of the Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction and Grand Junction Rotary Club volunteered to staff red kettles and ring bills at more than 30 locations.

The clubs raised a total of more than $42,000 in donations at the kettles and from club members. Rotary traditionally raises more funds, and this year contributed $35,520.

Toni Heiden-Moran, president of the Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction, said the effort demonstrates how the clubs work together for the betterment of the community. “The competition between our clubs is all in fun.”

Tami Bear,  president of the Grand Junction Rotary Club, agreed. “No matter which team you support, Rotary or Kiwanis, you can know that your drop in the bucket will add to many other drops, hopefully spilling over to help many who are in need.”

West said the effort constitutes the single biggest fund-raising day of the year for Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army has experienced increased demand for food, clothing and shelter because of job losses and financial hardships accompanied by the economic downturn in the midst of a pandemic, West said.

“The Army served about 460 families a month pre-COVID, and it’s currently serving about 600 families a month,” West said in a presentation to the Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction in late November.

Pandemic-related restrictions resulted in the closure of the Salvation Army thrift store. “We lost $140,000 in thrift store income while we were closed down, our pantry doubled its output and we started offering rental assistance, a new program,” West said.

At the same time, though, there’s been an increase in contributions to the Salvation Army, particularly during the holiday season, he said. “We saw kettle contributions increase from $40 an hour per kettle last year to about $100 per kettle this year.”

Kiwanians also helped organize and participated in the annual Santa Cause Run, an event to raise funds for inclusive playgrounds for children with physical, social and emotional needs.

The 1- and 5-kilometer run was conducted virtually this year. Participants registered online and picked up their Santa suits and other gear at Lincoln Park. Participants were asked to run or jog on their own during a seven-day period. Event sponsors contributed funds toward the playground project. The event is staged in conjunction with the City of Grand Junction Department of Parks and Recreation.