Less Retail Outlets Means Less Red Kettle Locations

It should come as no surprise that the Christmas fundraising activities for the local Salvation Army will be under the gun this year thanks to the pandemic and the closures of many retail outlets.
For the first time in 130 years, The Salvation Army is starting its annual holiday fundraising campaign early across the country in order to “rescue” Christmas. The funds raised through the organization’s iconic red kettles are at risk this year due to COVID-19 while requests for services are at an all-time high.
Because of the closing of retail stores, consumers carrying less cash and coins, and the decline in foot traffic, The Salvation Army could see up to a 50 percent decrease in funds raised nationally through the red kettles, which would limit their capability to provide services for the most vulnerable. To put this in perspective, last year The Salvation Army Quincy Area Command raised just shy of $146,000 in its kettles.

New Salvation Army Area Coordinator Captain Michael Sjogren stated in a news release that “No matter what events are unfolding in our country or even the world, The Salvation Army’s mission is to meet human needs, and those do not cease during a global pandemic.”

To support families throughout West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri, The Salvation Army Quincy Area Command has provided emergency shelter, hotel vouchers, rent, and utility assistance and food to those in need. Because of rising unemployment, more new faces and people who are used to dropping money in a red kettle are now turning to The Salvation Army for assistance. Your help is needed now more than ever.

Here are some safe and simple ways you can donate:
• • Make a sustaining monthly gift of $25 per month. Call 217-231-5694 to get started.
• • Donate digitally with Apple Pay or Google Pay at any red kettle.
• • Give any amount by texting “DonateQuincy” or “DonateHannibal” to 24365.
• • Donate toys to give hope and joy to children and families in need through The          Salvation Army’s Toy Town program.

While the national Salvation Army Christmas campaign is underway, the red kettles will not be out in Quincy until November 6 and will not be out in Hannibal until November 13. Volunteers will be needed to man those kettles. You will soon be able to sign up at registertoring.com. To help ensure the safety of bell ringers, The Salvation Army has adopted nationally mandated safety protocols.

Every donation provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay within the community in which they are given. If you need services or know of someone in need, please call 217-222-2087 for Quincy or 573-248-8008 for Hannibal.