Salvation Army hopes to raise $70,000 by Christmas Eve

By Cara Spoto
Journal staff

You know the holidays and low temperatures are approaching when you hear the ringing bell of a Salvation Army Soldier or volunteer.

The Salvation Army of Portage County kicked off its annual Red Kettle Campaign on Friday morning in front of Trig's County Market in Stevens Point and Walmart in Plover. Enduring chilly winds, Portage County Salvation Army Capt. and Corps Officer Leanna Tuttle, Salvation Army Corps Community Care Secretary Fran Fink and Administrative Assistant Susan Tesch stood around the charity's first kettles of the season, hoping to encourage shoppers to donate whatever they could to the needy.

The Salvation Army of Portage County hopes to raise $70,000 during this year's campaign, which ends at 2 p.m. Christmas Eve. It hopes to raise another $130,000 through its mail campaign and other efforts. Last year, the charity exceeded its $65,000 goal for Red Kettle donations. The charity will use the money it raises this year to support its Hope Center Family Shelter, a 35-bed facility dedicated to feeding and providing shelter to the homeless.

The shelter serves 25,000 to 30,000 meals per year and costs about $700,000 annually to operate.

"This is our biggest push for funds," Tuttle said. "Without the support of our local businesses and the community, we wouldn't be able to do this. So we just wanted to say, 'Thank you.'"

The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign dates back to 1891. Today in the U.S., donations to the charity's familiar red kettles help more than 4.5 million people during the holidays.

Standing outside Walmart, Plover Village Administrator Dan Mahoney and Walmart manager Mike Phipps thanked The Salvation Army for all its work.

"The village really appreciates the services that The Salvation Army provides. It's a place where families in need can go for a place to stay and for meals and counseling services," Mahoney said. "We hope everyone comes out and supports you."