PRESS RELEASE
Salvation Army Red Kettle Donations Drop
Upside: Incredible Bell Ringing Stories Abound
ROSEVILLE, Minn. – November 26, 2007 –Although Twin Cities kettle donations are down for the 2007 Christmas season, that’s not stopping metro area bell ringers from giving their all.
A Victoria man, for example, continues to bell ring in Chanhassen even though his wife died of an aggressive cancer two weeks ago. The pair had rung bells together for years, and he didn’t want to break tradition.
Then there’s Elmer Schefers, who is matching all kettle donations made Dec. 14 – 22 at Cub Foods in Plymouth. He’s matching the funds through a letter writing campaign to his friends and family. Schefers alone is scheduled to bell ring at the store for 53 hours.
Both of these men are helping offset the near 12 percent decrease in donations, which to date have reached about $1.4 million, down from last year when donations had topped close to $1.6 million.
The Salvation Army’s total Christmas campaign goal is $8 million.
“With 27 days left in our Christmas campaign, there is still time to offset our current shortfall,” said Major Paul Fleeman, commander of the Twin Cities Salvation Army. “But reaching our goal would be much easier with more volunteer bell ringers.”
There are more than 100,000 hours of bell ringing available in the Twin Cities metro area, yet less than 15,000 hours have been scheduled.
“Volunteering at or giving to red kettles is a simple way to make an immeasurable difference in the lives of people in need,” Fleeman added.
To bell ring for the Twin Cities Salvation Army call 651-746-3519 or click here.
The Salvation Army serves more than 200,000 people in the Twin Cities and is a safety net for those with no place to turn. We serve 1,100 hot meals every day and house more than 700 people every night. Donations can be made by mailing a check to 2445 Prior Ave, Roseville, MN 55113 or by clicking below.
