LP County Sheriff Ron Heeg Named Chair of County-Wide Salvation Army Christmas Campaign

The Salvation Army is proud to announce that La Porte County Sheriff Ron Heeg, along with his family, will serve as the 2025 Christmas Campaign Chair, helping lead the organization’s holiday fundraising efforts across La Porte County.

This year marks a significant milestone for The Salvation Army, as two locations — The Salvation Army of Michigan City and The Salvation Army of La Porte — have come together under a single leadership team, Majors Dale and Becky Simmons. As a result, the 2025 Christmas Campaign will be a county-wide initiative, expanding efforts to support families in need throughout the county.

Sheriff Heeg, a lifelong LaPorte County resident, brings nearly three decades of public service to the role. With 28 years in the Sheriff’s Office (and the past three serving as Sheriff) he says this opportunity to give back is deeply personal.

“I choose to be the Christmas Chair because I appreciate the work that Majors Becky and Dale have done for the Michigan City Salvation Army, and I’m excited to see what they will do now that this is becoming a county-wide Salvation Army,” Heeg said. “The holidays are a time for community, for service, and for generosity. I’m honored to be part of something that supports local families when they need it most.”

Sheriff Heeg and his wife Heather live in La Porte County with their two daughters, Olivia (16) and Allison (14). The Heeg family plans to take an active role in the campaign, which will raise funds to provide toys, food, and holiday support to hundreds of local families in La Porte County.

The Christmas Campaign also funds year-round services such as food pantries, diapers, case management, free clothing, summer camp, spiritual care, and more.

Majors Dale and Becky Simmons, who now oversee both locations, say the Heegs are a perfect fit for this year’s expanded campaign.

“Sheriff Heeg is a true public servant who cares deeply about this community,” said Major Becky Simmons. “He and his family are stepping up to help make this Christmas season brighter for people across La Porte County, and we are grateful for their leadership and support.”

Sheriff Heeg will be officially introduced as the 2025 Christmas Campaign Chair during the annual Red Kettle Kickoff event, to be held Monday, November 3 from 7am to 10 am at McDonald’s, 3507 Franklin Street in Michigan City.

The community can support the 2025 Christmas Campaign in a variety of ways. Online donations can be made to either location: Michigan City at donate.salvationarmyindiana.org/michigancity or La Porte at donate.salvationarmyindiana.org/laporte. Those who prefer to give in person or by mail can send or drop off donations to The Salvation Army of Michigan City at 1201 S. Franklin Street, Michigan City, IN 46360, or to The Salvation Army of La Porte at 3240 Monroe Street, La Porte, IN 46350.

Volunteer bell ringers are essential to the success of the Red Kettle Campaign. Individuals, families, businesses, and community groups are encouraged to sign up to ring bells throughout the season by visiting www.RegisterToRing.com or calling The Salvation Army at (219) 874-6885 ext. 1003.

“This campaign is about neighbors helping neighbors,” Heeg said. “I hope everyone in LaPorte County will join us in doing the most good this Christmas.”