Salvation Army Capt. Deb Thompson says the annual Red Kettle campaign had a big finishing kick.
The campaign had a sluggish open, but it totaled at over $59,000, nearly hitting the overall fundraising goal of $63,000. On KVOE’s Morning Show on Tuesday, Thompson thanked the community for its efforts.
The drive had a later start than normal because of the late Thanksgiving, and two weeks in it was well off its normal pace — but several Doubler Days, the annual Badges United event and the first-ever Real Estate Wednesday helped to push up the total.
Thompson says the money goes to help people in several ways, including food, clothing, rent and utility assistance. It also helps people if they need photo IDs or tools, and it helps with emergency lodging in case of urgent, short-term needs. Thompson expects an increase in food needs soon as federal guidelines in the so-called SNAP or food stamp program go into effect. She also expects more requests for help with rent in the coming months.
For more information about the Salvation Army, call 342-3093.
