Salvation Army doesn't reach fundraising goal

This holiday season, like most before it, the masses bustled into stores with lists, and shuttled out clutching bags filled with presents. But on their way to their cars, they were confronted with a familiar sight and sound: Workers swallowed by coats, gloves, and scarves,their waists draped with red aprons,flailing and swinging bells up and down. The ringing and jingling called many to slip leftover change or dollar bills into red kettles.

The Douglas County Salvation Army reeled in about $72,000 during its Red Kettle Campaign this holiday season, but it fell short of its goal by $30,000. Associates attributed the falling snow and biting chill as reasons for the gulf. As a result, the Salvation Army reported it will probably have to cut some programs during the spring.

The Salvation Army is known for providing financial assistance, food and shelter to those in need. To many it is the timber keeping them afloat-- in a home and off the streets-- in a sea of poverty. It helps the financially unstable maintain basic utilities like electric and gas.
In the fall,it uses donations to distribute school supplies to families and children who can't afford them.
And when a natural disaster strikes, the Salvation Army offers a helping hand. Its workers and volunteers offer piping hot meals and basic necessities like blankets, deodorant and soap to victims.
The good the Salvation Army produces is significant, and we should try to keep it in our thoughts during the off season. It's easy to bury the idea of donating amongst the clutter of daily priorities once the bells stop ringing. But just because the jinging stops, doesn't mean the giving has to.
You can donate at the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Web site: www.onlineredkettle.com