Salvation Army exceeds Kettle Fundraiser goal

The Salvation Army is pleased to announce that it raised over $22 million through its Christmas Kettle Campaign, surpassing its $21-million goal. In fact, 10 of the 39 centers were short of their respective goals.

The campaign represents a “significant portion” of the organization’s operating budget. “But fortunately, as a year ago, the local media really rallied behind our cause and helped to spread the word about our needs”.

Over 40,000 pounds of food have also been donated, as well as many toys for their hampers. Doing the most good… for the most people…in the most need. “We don’t generally have panhandlers on the street corners”. The shelter has a playroom for children, a lounge area and computers to assist with apartment and job hunting. “Not only for their generosity and their help, but for their trust”, said Hall.

“We were able to help families that otherwise have had to struggle through winter months with no heat”, he said.

The organization operates its Campus of Hope site in Monroe and a second office in Temperance. Sedlar added, “Unfortunately, there are still several Worship and Service Centers who will be re-evaluating their budgets and trying hard to make up for the shortfalls of their campaigns in order to avoid cutting programs”. Dan Proctor, the Naples regional coordinator and a 37-year Salvation Army veteran. All of the kettle donations remain in the local communities in which they were raised and enable The Salvation Army to help vulnerable people with basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter and other provisions.