The Centralia Police Department was once again victorious in a local law enforcement donation competition thanks to a large last-minute donation from a generous and anonymous giver.
The Centralia and Chehalis police departments — led by their respective chiefs — stood near the entrances of their local Safeway grocery stores on Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. asking residents to donate to The Salvation Army of Lewis County.
This was the third year that the two departments faced off in a bit of friendly competition for a good cause. It was also the third year that the Centralia Police Department has claimed victory after raising more money than its competition in Chehalis.
According to Captain Gin Pack of The Salvation Army Centralia Corps, the Centralia Police Department collected $4,498.87 while standing in front of the Centralia Safeway store while the Chehalis Police Department raised $2,006.13 near the entrance of the Chehalis Safeway store. In total, the two law enforcement agencies raised $6,505 for the local Salvation Army in just two hours.
Pack added that the Chehalis department actually raised more money in cash and coins. The Chehalis department's final sum was entirely in cash and coins while Centralia raised $1,998.87 in cash and coins. However, a large single check donation of $2,500 put the Centralia department well over the top.
In a virtual victory lap, the Centralia Police Department took to Facebook after the total count with a post thanking locals for their donations and poking a bit of fun at the Chehalis department.
“What a day for bellringing!” read the post. “Thank you for all the support in Centralia and Chehalis. Better luck next year, Chehalis Police Department.”
According to Pack and her husband, fellow Salvation Army Captain Setven Pack, the local Salvation Army will have bell ringers and donation kettles at many of the local grocery stores and other sites in the area. Bell ringers first started on Nov. 15.
Both of the local Safeway stores, Walmart, Fuller’s Market Place, Chehalis Outfitters and the local post office locations will host Salvation Army bell ringers through Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.
Residents can also donate to the Salvation Army online through the virtual red kettle. To contribute online, visit https://tinyurl.com/3sx4at5a.
