SA optimistic about kettle drive
Salvation Army officials remain optimistic that they will surpass their annual Red Kettle Christmas Campaign goal.
The annual campaign kicked off Nov. 10 and will conclude Dec. 23.
For the second consecutive year, the campaign goal has been set at $101,000.
“We are about $5,000 under where we should be at this time (about $67,000). We are just encouraging people to keep giving. I am pretty confident not only will we reach our goal but may exceed it. Last year our goal was $101,000 and we raised $105,000,” said Lt. Larry Fulmer, commanding officer of the Altoona Salvation Army Worship and Service Center.
The Red Kettle campaign is the Salvation Army’s major fundraising campaign. All of the money collected stays in Blair County.
“All of the money collected we use for our various ministries, what we do as a church, social services, food pantry and utility assistance,” Fulmer said.
Once again, the Sheetz Fellows program at Penn State, which prepares students to be leaders and instills a sense of servant leadership through community service, is aiding with the effort.
“The Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff is one of the programs we have worked with for the past several years. Being involved in this event, students can help raise funds to provide clothing, food, and shelter to those who need it in our community,” said Donna J. Bon, executive director of the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence and director of the Sheetz Fellows.
“It is a great way to help those those in need, especially around the holidays, which should be a pleasant time of year for all. We love getting involved in opportunities to help our community in any way possible and hold the belief that it is essential to learn to serve before one can lead. It’s always a great experience to see the smiling faces that we are able to offer our time to and be a part of many great causes,” said Derick Brobeck, servant leadership chair.
The local campaign is facing some challenges.
“The biggest challenge is with the hurricanes, so many people have donated for that, and the level of volunteers is a big issue. We only have 15 right now; usually we have 25 or more,” Fulmer said.
Red kettles are at 11 locations in the Altoona area, such as the Logan Valley Mall, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Kmart, Fulmer said.
Donations also can be made through the Salvation Army’s Facebook page or by texting 41444.
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