This holiday season, community members will have the opportunity to sponsor a bell in loving memory or honor of a special veteran or soldier.
All bells will be hung on a tree displayed at the Main Street Courtyard in Downtown Crookston and will remain throughout December. Three members of the Crookston VFW Auxiliary have coordinated this event, one being Pam DeLage.
“Kim Ringdahl and her husband (Brian) were sitting home one night figuring out what they could do for our local veterans,” said DeLage, “Also, to see what they could do for other veterans, they’re very near and dear in our hearts. Kim’s son is a veteran, my husband was a veteran, and other members have children that are veterans, and it’s nice to be able to do projects in honor of them.”
DeLage explained that not many events or projects were coordinated to honor veterans this time of the year, especially in the Crookston area. “This is a special time because so many military members are gone from their families during the holidays,” said DeLage, “This is also a nice time to remember the veterans of the past, veterans of the present, and future.”
All proceeds from the project will be disbursed at the beginning of January. Where the funds will go is still under discussion; however, organizations mentioned include the Honor Flight, Bemidji Nursing Home for Veterans, and local veteran projects held in Crookston.
This project is co-sponsored by the Crookston Rotary Club and Scott’s True Value in Crookston. It was decided that through December, the trees would also be decorated in red, white, and blue to honor veterans. Three trees are in the courtyard across the street from Scotts True Value, where the bells will be displayed.
The minimum cost to sponsor a bell is $1, but individuals can donate as much as they want to honor whoever they choose.
To sponsor a bell, you can stop in at Scott’s True Value located at 111 North Main Street in Crookston or contact the event coordinators-
Kim Ringdahl at 218-281-7762
Jamie Cassavant at 218-289-0865
Pam DeLage at 218-415-1615
Click below to view the trees that symbolize our nation’s colors.
