Salvation Army needs bellringers

The Salvation Army needs bellringers, Auburn director Dennis Cregan said. Bellringers are an important part of the holiday fundraiser, he said. The money benefits local programs and families in need.

Any group or individual who would like to assist the non-profit organization can call 253-0319 to schedule a time. Volunteers also can call the Red Kettle Center at 1 (877) 764-7259 or visit www.redkettles.org to fill out a volunteer form online.

Rep. Arcuri to tour parts of Africa

U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri, D-Utica, will visit the African nations of Chad, Ethiopia and Kenya this week as part of a congressional delegation.

Arcuri will meet with U.S. ambassadors and other officials as well as leaders of humanitarian aid organizations throughout the week.

“The Mohawk Valley is home to thousands of refugees, many of them from conflict-torn eastern Africa,” Arcuri said in a press release. “This trip will allow me to talk directly with representatives from these countries as well as international aid organizations to better understand the unique challenges facing local refugee populations.”

- From staff reports