There’s just a few days left in the Bradford Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle campaign.
The campaign, which includes the familiar bell-ringers stationed at local businesses each Christmas season, raises thousands of dollars that the Salvation Army uses all year to fund its community programs all year.
While it’s been a difficult year for everyone, Captain David L. Means Jr., Corps commanding officer in Bradford, indicated he is encouraged by the community support so far in the campaign.
“This year has been a little bittersweet,” Means said. “Our volunteer numbers are down about 80%-90% but we are keeping pace with our fundraising efforts last year. That tells me that even though we have had less bells ringing at the stores, the average donation that people have put into those few kettles has increased.”
This year’s Red Kettle Campaign goal is $119,000, and the Salvation Army hopes to bring in $24,000 of that total from its Red Kettles.
“Our Red Kettles end on Christmas Eve at 2 p.m. which means there is around 7 ringing days left before we pack our bells away for another year,” Means said.
This year, the Salvation Army is getting outside help to increase donations — and to stretch those donations a little further.
“We are blessed that the Walmart Corporation is hosting a Register Round Up in which customers can round up their order to the nearest dollar and the difference is donated to The Salvation Army,” Means explained. “This can be done at any register including the self-check outs. You can also round up your online order as well.
“We are also excited to share that all of our Red Kettle donations, as well as all of our Walmart Register Round up donations, are going to be matched,” he added. “That means a $20 donation now becomes a $40 donation. Now is the best time to give to the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign.”
People can donate online at www.SALARMY.us/BradfordKettle, or they can send a check made out to The Salvation Army.
With the funds raised, the organization finds a number of ways to give back to the community year-round. Means talked about the many programs the Salvation offers.
“The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign funds multiple ministries throughout the year which include: youth life skills programs, emergency food pantry, emergency lodging, free clothing giveaways, residential summer camps for kids and senior citizens, and holiday food programs such as the Christmas food bags which provide a complete Christmas dinner for over 120 families in our community,” he said.
