Dalton Salvation Army facing Red Kettle Campaign shortfall

Published 8:00 am Friday, December 15, 2017

DALTON, Ga. — In 2016, The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign raised $106,000 in the Greater Dalton area, but this year donations are down by 15 percent from where the organization needs to be to reach its goal. Kettle gifts stay in the community where the money is donated and helps provide meals and shelter for individuals in need, character-building programs for children and many other services throughout the year.

Additionally, below freezing temperatures and inclement weather are a risk to bell ringers’ health and safety and put a damper on donations by passersby. During particularly unseasonable weather, The Salvation Army sometimes must opt not to put the kettles out, even though it means fewer donations during the critical “giving season.” Several days of bad weather this year have already put The Salvation Army’s fundraising campaign even further behind.

“I am very concerned about the lost kettle days this year and how this will impact our ability to help those who are hurting,” Maj. Douglas McClure said. “The red kettles are a symbol of giving and represent a tradition of caring that is passed down from generation to generation. We’re hoping that shoppers will remember their neighbors in need when they see a Salvation Army bell ringer in the community during the coming two weeks and be as generous as they can to help,”

The Salvation Army is encouraging the public to donate generously to the Red Kettles at local retailers including Wal-Mart, Food City, Kmart, Hobby Lobby, Walgreens and Kroger or online at www.redkettlereason.org to make up the shortfall. Donations can also be mailed to 1109 N. Thornton Ave. or called in to (800) SAL-ARMY.