Vegans can help brighten holidays

Saturday, Nov. 14, 1998 | 11:16 a.m.

The Salvation Army is probably the most visible charity around the holidays, between its traditional bell-ringers, food drives and Angel Trees at the malls. But this year, the organization's efforts are jeopardized by a lack of help.

"We need bell ringers desperately," said Sumner Dodge, director of community relations for Salvation Army. Bell-ringing begins Friday, and only two dozen of the 75-plus bell ringers needed have volunteered.

"We're worried," he said. "There are more children to help than the previous year. And we're already hurting because we're having a tough time recruiting bell ringers."

To help, call 870-4430.

Other ways to volunteer to help the homeless at the holidays:

--The Las Vegas City Mission is asking for money donations for their complete dinner Dec. 25. Donations can be sent to: Las Vegas City Mission P.O. Box 360, Department S8T-46925, Las Vegas, NV 89125-0360, or they can be taken to the mission at 1126 Fremont St. Call 384-1930.

--The Salvation Army Christmas Angel Trees will be in the Boulevard, Galleria at Sunset and Meadows malls beginning Nov. 27. A large Christmas tree will be adorned with white, green and red lights. Area businesses and corporations are being asked to make $100, $250 and $500 donations to light the bulbs.

--The Salvation Army needs donations of hams, turkeys, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pies for 250 Thanksgiving food baskets. Donations may be dropped off at 2900 Palomino Lane or 35 W. Owens Ave.

--The Macy's employees at the Fashion Show, Meadows and Boulevard malls will team up with St. Judes Ranch for Children and the Economic Opportunities Commission of Las Vegas to sponsor the second annual "Giving Tree" gift program, which provides gifts to children in need. To sponsor a child, stop by the Holiday Lane of each Macy's store from Nov. 27 through Dec. 21 to select a child's gift request, purchase the gift, then return it unwrapped to the Macy's gift wrap location. St. Judes and the Economic Opportunities Commission will distribute the gifts by Dec. 25.