Salvation Army kettle campaign struggling to meet goal

Shane Hillier of The Salvation Army says there is still a need for items for hampers.

Bell Ringers will be out in full force leading up to Christmas Eve this year, but as Pastor Burry explained, individuals can donate in other ways too.

The Salvation Army of Lee County is holding a ribbon cutting at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday to officially open the new distribution center at 13530 N. Cleveland Ave, North Fort Myers.

“If it wasn’t for the bell ringing, we would not be able to provide Christmas for people like we do”, said Watson.

All of the money raised from the campaign will support The Salvation Army’s local programs like basic social services assistance, Christmas assistance and youth programs.

There are many toy drives this time of year, but the Salvation Army Toys and Joys shop has been around for over 100 years. “Every day, we see people who are desperately trying to put their lives together”.

Regionally, the Divisional office in Cincinnati reports that kettle contributions are lagging last year’s donations by 18%.

The ring was wrapped in a $20 bill along with a hand written note that reads: “There are so many who need help”.

“We are grateful for the overwhelming generosity of this anonymous donor and their commitment to help us do to the most good in Genesee County”, said Salvation Army Captain Caleb B. Senn in a statement.

Thanks to generous donations from the community, more than 3,000 families will have gifts this Christmas.

“It’s just awesome they can do something like this for the kids that are in need”, said Williams. Some of them were at the Salvation Army on Friday helping out at the food bank and sorting gifts that have been donated to the Salvation Army’s Christmas campaign.