Salvation Army fundraiser draws turnout of support

The largest ugly sweater party in Skagit County was an evening of substance over style.

About 200 people proudly donning garish holiday sweaters attended, officially designated the 2024 Anacortes Salvation Army Red Kettle Kickoff Program, at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge on Nov. 9.

Because the Anacortes Salvation Army service area covers La Conner, local donors in attendance included Mayor Marna Hanneman and her husband, Leroy, and Swinomish Indian Tribal Community civic leader Janie Beasley. County Commissioner Peter Browning also participated, seeking out Beasley and the Hannemans to express holiday wishes.

Beasley, who serves on the Anacortes Salvation Army Advisory Committee, was a table sponsor for the two-hour fundraiser and program, which included a silent auction, report on services from Lieutenants Brett and LaShan Harrison, buffet dinner and "dessert dash" and the ugly sweater contest.

None of the local donors won ugly sweater honors, though Leroy Hanneman received several compliments for his bright Seahawk green and blue attire.

"My son gave it to me, so that I'd have something to wear here tonight," he graciously explained.

The Salvation Army has been in Anacortes since 1905. It's an evangelical arm of the universal Christian Church. Its biblical message, ministry and mission preaches the gospel and meets human needs without discrimination.

Perhaps best known for its holiday bellringers and thrift stores, the Salvation Army aided over 17,000 people in the Skagit Valley and San Juan Islands last year. The Harrisons said the Anacortes Corps provides a food pantry, back-to-school and Christmas gift assistance to children, an after-school program for students with disabilities, life skills for disabled adults and youth summer camp opportunities.

Reliant upon local funding support, the Salvation Army here stretches its resources as best it can, maintaining a network of support and spiritual guidance, the Harrisons said.

"We provide hope when there's little or no hope," said Brett Harrison. "We provide a hand up, not a handout. We sit in the trenches with people in the worst times of their lives. And we pray a lot."

LaShan Harrison said the Anacortes Corps "helps break generational poverty" and "provides tools for people to pull themselves out of dark places."

Brett Harrison lamented that the Anacortes Salvation Army ran a significant budget deficit last year, forcing it to make "heartbreaking" reductions in services.

The Harrisons asked people to support Salvation Army with an online donation or contribution to its famous red kettles staffed by bellringers between now and Christmas.

Beasley noted afterward that it's important local residents and business owners know that the Anacortes Corps serves the La Conner-Swinomish area plus Bow and other parts of western Skagit County.

"It's good to get the word out," she said.