Salvation Army kettle drive needs help
TEXARKANA — Starting today, the Salvation Army has six days left in this year’s kettle fund drive. Right now, they are behind where they need to be.
“We are way behind compared to previous years,” said Brenda Hogan, Salvation Army Texarkana office manager. “We think COVID is a big part of the lag this year, less people getting out. Some may be reluctant to touch the kettles. Also, the shortage of change available, with both a literal shortage of coins, from the banks on down, and more people conducting purchases electronically.”
Major Russel Czajkowski, corps officer here says fewer people are shopping in stores and that has hurt the drive.
“We have currently raised $31, 578 and are praying the community will dig deep in the remaining days of the season to ensure we can continue to provide help to those who come to us for assistance,” he said. “They often come to us at times of crisis when they have nowhere else to turn.”
The Salvation Army will continue to ring bells outside stores through Christmas Eve and they are optimistic the community will help them reach their fundraising goal.
“We hope the public takes advantage of this window,” said Hogan. “If not at the kettles, then to our online options.”
This year, the Salvation Army has their Red Kettle Challenge, where groups can competitively seek to fill virtual kettles by going online to salvationarmytexas.org/Texarkana/.
“We need individuals, companies, schools and churches to accept the challenge of having their own online Red Kettle,” Czajkowski said.
Traditional donations can be mailed to Salvation Army, 400 E. 4th St., Texarkana AR 71854.
“We thank everyone who helps, and wish everyone Merry Christmas,” Hogan said. “God bless you all.”