11/19/2019- It’s the familiar sound of hope at the holidays. The local Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign is underway, with a goal of raising $65000 this season to support the organization’s ongoing assistance programs for families in need. The campaign makes up about 25% of the annual budget for the local Salvation Army, which serves individuals in both Marinette and Menominee Counties. Captain Rhegan Stansbury says, with an increasing number of people coming through their doors, dropping a few bills in those buckets means more now than ever.
“Our meal program continues to grow- people coming and seeking out food, as well the pantry. We see a lot of people struggling to pay their rent as rent rises and housing is hard to find and affordable for families or people on disability. A lot of people need assistance with their utility bills- shut-off notices for water and electric.”
A critical component of a successful campaign is having enough people to fill the bell ringing shifts at the various kettle locations throughout the two counties. While the Salvation Army typically tries to recruit volunteers for the job, Captain Joshua Stansbury says they are offering to pay some bell ringers who are willing to brave the elements.
“Donations increase 300% if there’s actually someone at the kettle and so, for some of those outside (kettles) we are looking to hire just a few individuals where, essentially, they’ll need to make their pay in the kettle, but that will just help us in this community to raise the extra funds that we need.”
Only about 10% of all available Red Kettle bell ringing shifts in Marinette and Menominee Counties have been reserved by volunteers thus far. You can get more information or sign up at registertoring.com or by calling 715-735-7448. The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign runs through Christmas Eve.