The local Salvation Army will begin its annual kettle campaign in less than two weeks, and more bell-ringers are needed to help the organization meet its fundraising goal.
“Right now, we’re hurting for volunteers,” said Capt. Gary Gugala, first-year director of the local Salvation Army.
The volunteer-run kettle drive, to begin on Nov. 20, is one of the Salvation Army’s major fundraisers for the year. And with the economic downturn taking a toll on jobs and wages, the need for assistance is greater this year than in years past. To help accommodate that growing need, Gugala set this year’s kettle campaign goal at $55,000, a $5,000 increase over last year’s goal.
“We set it about 10 percent higher than last year,” he said. “We had to grow to that level to keep up with the growing needs.”
Last year’s kettle drive brought in just under $44,000, but it also was shortened from five weeks to four weeks. Gugala said he is confident the $55,000 mark can be reached, so long as people volunteer their time and effort to help raise the money.
“The miracle of ringing the bell happens when someone is ringing the bell,” he said.
Gugala said the local Salvation Army hopes to serve 1,000 local families this year. And through programs such as the kettle drive, Coats For Folks and Saturday’s motorcycle toy run, he’s optimistic that “we should be able to cover that.”
“When we give, we can really make a difference,” he said. “I have never not made my kettle drive goal. Is it a challenge? Yes. Is it impossible? No. God has always helped me to reach that goal.”
Anyone interested in volunteering to take part in the kettle campaign can visit the local Salvation Army office at 307 E. 5th Street or call 620-231-0415.
