December 30, 2014 at 2:42 p.m.
Salvation Army in need of donations to make $35K goal
Salvation Army in need of donations to make $35K goal
By Kayla Thomason-
As of Dec. 20, $24,400 was raised this bell-ringing season. This year's goal is $35,000 and the public can still help the organization reach it.
Donations can be made three different ways: via text message by texting RHINELANDER to 71777, online through https://www.onlineredkettle.org/rhinelander, which is a safe and secure site, or by mailing a check to the Rhinelander Salvation, Post Office Box 1081, Rhinelander, WI 54501.
Donating via text message is new this year. Last year was the first year for online donations.
"When you text RHINELANDER to the number you'll be prompted to enter your donation amount, whatever you are comfortable with, and then it'll ask you for a credit card," said Kim Swisher, 2014 Kettle Campaign Coordinator.
People can make donations online through January. Swisher was unsure how long text donations would be accepted. People can mail checks any time of the year.
For every $1 donated, $0.86 stays in the community. The remaining $0.14 is used for state and national efforts, according to Swisher.
The money raised helps individuals and families with emergency housing, medical needs and transportation. It also helps support an annual school backpack program which supplies over 200 local school children with necessary supplies.
In 2013, $29,000 was raised and 355 people were helped through the donations - a 39 percent increase over the year prior.
Swisher said the Salvation Army appreciates all of the bell ringers who braved the cold and the generous people who spared a little money this holiday season.
Of the 290 shifts available this season, nearly half were filled.
"[The number of shifts filled is] a little more than last year but we actually started two weekends in advance of last year," Swisher said. "Normally we start the Friday before deer hunting but we started two Saturdays before to hopefully beat the cold weather and try [to] increase donation opportunities."
Over a dozen groups and organizations rang bells this year. Some of the organizations included the School District of Rhinelander, Girl Scout troops, student athletes, Nicolet National Bank and more.
"We want to thank everybody who's helped, both in volunteering their time and in making a donation, because we would not be able to help the community if we didn't have the funds and the funds come directly from bell ringing," Swisher said.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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