By A.J. Harris
BLOOMINGTON – As of Monday, December 17, the Salvation Army “Make A Difference” Red Kettle Campaign has raised over $145,000, which is still over $74,000 short of its annual goal for the campaign, according to Development Director Angie Bubon.
“Last year was a difficult year for the Red Kettles, and we are seeing even lower numbers this year.”
The kettles are over $15,000 behind where they were at the same point a year ago, which ended up over $40,000 short of the set goal of $255,000.
Reasons for the now two-year decline can be attributed to reasons such as more people carrying less cash and online shopping.
Bubon remains optimistic that the goal can still be reached, however, but it will require some big final days at the kettles. The campaign ends this Monday, Christmas Eve.
WJBC’s own Scott Laughlin will be doing his part to help out on Thursday from 4-6 PM at Hy-Vee, where he will be holding his annual Cubs vs Cards challenge, as will the Bloomington Fire Department, which will once again be staffing all Bloomington Red Kettle locations from 10 AM – 2 PM on Friday.
To sign up as a volunteer bell ringer, visit www.ringbells.org or call Angie Bubon at (309)829-9476, ext. 204
A.J. Harris can be reached at [email protected]
