Grand Forks Salvation Army hopes to raise half of goal for Red Kettle Campaign as fewer donations come in
Dec. 21—GRAND FORKS — The Grand Forks Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign is expected to end without meeting its goal of $160,000, though Maj. Paul Ferguson said the organization is still hoping to reach half of that goal by Dec. 24, when the campaign ends.
As of Monday, Dec.19, the organization was around the $48,000 mark. Ferguson said the lower total probably can be attributed to the weather — a string of frigid days following a week of snow. Of the 11 kettle locations, six are outdoors.
Some of the locations include Scheels, Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Cabela's, Sam's Club, L&M Meats, Home of Economy and the Columbia Mall.
Ferguson also said the lower total might be linked to inflation.
"Whenever there's any kind of fluctuations in the economy, negative fluctuations, people have to watch their budget a little more," Ferguson said.
Dawn Scott-Larson, who has volunteered as a bell-ringer with her two sons for the past 15 years, said she has noticed that some families are donating less this year.
Volunteer numbers also are down, adding another challenge to the season, Ferguson said.
"Volunteerism societally seems to be down," he said. "I've talked to other organizations, service clubs, churches, any number of things and volunteerism is down."
Some still are willing to make the sacrifice. Bell-ringers Bob Alderson, Erica Claus-Numsali and Scott-Larson said they also have seen a decline in volunteering. Despite challenges facing the Salvation Army, the three still are holding out hope that at least half of the goal can be achieved by Saturday, Dec. 24.
"I'm absolutely hoping that happens because without that, unless you get donors that step up to the plate throughout the year, it gets a little sparse," Alderson said. "Christmas brings in a huge amount of the revenue that Salvation Army can bring in throughout the course of the year."
Claus-Numsali said she is more hopeful.
"I'm hoping if it is going to be less, that at least three quarters — not half," she said.
All three said they help out because they believe in the Salvation Army's mission. Alderson, who used to serve on the Salvation Army Board, said the money that is raised from the Red Kettle Campaign goes directly back to the organization. Services offered year-round by the Salvation Army include utility, rent and food assistance.
"They do nothing but good," he said.
Scott-Larson said she volunteers with her two children to give back to the community and to teach her sons valuable lessons.
"It's just really important for me for my boys to learn stewardship, volunteering and commitment," Scott-Larson said. "In order to be a part of a community you have to live, work and play in a community."
In addition to the Red Kettle Campaign, the Salvation Army sponsors the Angel Tree program, which allows shoppers around the region to shop for a child based on a wishlist. Various stores participate in the Angel Tree each year with the distribution of those gifts being held last week.
More than 980 children received a gift. Though Ferguson has only been with the Grand Forks Salvation Army for two years, he believes that's a record.
The program also provides food for families for preparing a Christmas meal.
