“Need knows no season” is the theme of The Salvation Army’s “Christmas in July” Campaign, a new initiative that posts bell ringers and kettles, normally reserved for Christmas, at strategic business locations this month to raise funds for numerous needs within the community.

Bank of The Bahamas Limited has responded to the call by providing its support for this initiative. The Bank has sponsored a kettle that will be stationed at its Village Road branch every Friday in July, allowing customers and other passersby to donate to Salvation Army programmes that help disadvantaged men, women and children in the community.

Among programmes to be funded by “Christmas in July” are The Salvation Army’s Feeding Programme held every Monday through Friday at its Mackey Street location, Summer and After School Programmes at its Community Centre and the Salvation Army women’s shelters.

Melanese Coakley, Community Relations Associate for the Salvation Army, explained that during the summer months, donations to the Salvation Army tend to decline because of a shift in focus to travel and other concerns.

“Christmas in July is just a reminder that even in this season of summer there is still a need in the community to help those who sometimes feel hopeless. We are our brother’s keepers and we could not be here after 85 years without Corporate Bahamas and especially Bank of The Bahamas, so we’re very appreciative of them joining us in Christmas in July,” Ms. Coakley said.

Pedro Burrows, Manager of BOB’s Village Road branch said the Bank was pleased to partner with the Salvation Army in such a worthy cause.

“We welcome the opportunity to support “Christmas in July” because of the many Bahamians who will benefit as a result and we also invite our customers and patrons of the Village Road Shopping Centre to support this important initiative,” Mr. Burrows said.

Photo Caption:

CHRISTMAS IN JULY COMES TO BOB VILLAGE ROAD –BOB presents a sponsorship cheque to Salvation Army representatives in support of the Salvation Army’s “Christmas in July Campaign.  Pictured from left: Pedro Burrows, Manager, BOB’s Village Road branch; Melanese Coakley, Community Relations Associate, Salvation Army; and Delicia Armbrister, Administrative Assistant, Salvation Army.