Local men take up McCombie’s challenge

• Derek Gilbert, left, and Jeremy Lilyquist

Derek Gilbert, left, and Jeremy Lilyquist of Anchor Insurance will take up the red kettle outside of County Market on Dec. 20 beginning at 5 a.m. and ring for “30 Hours for $30,000,” the challenge that Helen McCombie has issued the last five years. Photo by Meg Heaton

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• Salvation Army needs more ringers, donations to meet goal

Anchor Insurance agents Jeremy Lilyquist and Derek Gilbert have taken up Helen McCombie’s challenge to “Ring 30 hours for $30,000” to benefit the Salvation Army of St. Croix County.

The Hudson men came to see McCombie when they read in the Star-Observer that she was not going to do the challenge herself this year, the first time in five years. “When they first came in, Jeremy was excited to do the full 30 hours but I think Derek is more like ‘30 hours straight- really?’ I told them it is not an easy challenge but definitely worth it. By the time they left, they were both up for it. And they plan on getting more people and co-workers involved to help them meet the goal,” said McCombie who raised more than $100,000 over the past five years.

Lilyquist and Gilbert, who is the son of former North Hudson residents Bill and Carol Gilbert and a HHS graduate, will begin their marathon red kettle session at 5 a.m. on Dec. 20 outside of County Market. They will complete their marathon at 11 a.m. on Dec. 21. They hope to attract folks on their way to work or on their way home from a stop at the store. They will also be selling brats from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. “Stop buy for lunch and leave your donations,” said Lilyquist.

When asked why they took up McCombie’s challenge, they admit to being a little hesitant at first but now say, “Why not? It is a great cause that helps the people who need it right here in our community.” 

The news was good for local Salvation Army officials who have reported that donations are down in a year when the need is greater than ever. The goal is to raise $100,000 of which only $42,000 has been donated so far with less than two weeks to go in the campaign. See related story.

To assist in their effort or to make a donation before or after Dec. 20, contact Lilyquist or Gilbert at (715) 386-5757 or the Salvation Army at (715) 247-2944.

Tags: communities, hudson, money