THE SALVATION ARMY RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN BREAKS LOCAL RECORD
January 2, 2020, Petoskey, MI- The Salvation Army of Petoskey’s 2019 Red Kettle Campaign raised an unprecedented $125,000.00 which broke 2018’s record high of $115,000.00 which exceeded their campaign goal. Although the initial goal was surpassed, the money comes during a critical time as funding for emergency assistance programs has become more and more exhausted while the need for help continues to grow and the cost of utilities such as natural gas, propane and electricity continues to rise.
The Salvation Army provides year round programs and services to feed hungry neighbors, support those recovering from addiction, provide safe affordable after school care, send kids to summer camp, ensure family homes have heat and electricity, bring joy to lonely senior living facilities, make Christmas bright, or help families achieve financial independence.
When results were shared with Red Kettle Campaign Chairperson Susan Melton of 102.9 Big Country, she exclaimed “That is fantastic!” and then went on to say "I love this community and the way they step up to help those in need!” Susan volunteered to ring bells, launching her own “Bells Across the North” campaign to increase awareness.
Each year many individual volunteers, churches, schools and service clubs such as Rotary of Petoskey and Elk Rapids (including InterAct), Kiwanis of Petoskey and Charlevoix, Lions of Boyne Valley and Elk Rapids and many more take time to ring the bell which not only helps to fill volunteer hours and bring in donations, but also gets the word out to others to further support. A special thanks goes out to Bellaire Coordinator, Dave Ciganick; Harbor Springs Coordinator and Advisory Board Chairman, Jeff Higgs; Steve Francis and Lisa Worsley-Matthews of Elk Rapids Rotary Club.
“With the shorter holiday shopping season after Black Friday we were concerned whether we would be able to reach our goal this year.” said Envoy, Greg Irwin “This year is a true testament to the many amazing people willing to go the extra mile to ring a bell for us and to the extreme generosity and Christmas spirit that exists within our community.”
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. For more information about The Salvation Army of Petoskey programs or services, visit www.SAPetoskey.org. To give, simply click “Donate Local”, drop-off or mail a check or money order made out to The Salvation Army of Petoskey at 712 Pleasant Street, or you can shop or donate new and gently used items to The Salvation Army Thrift Store located at 1615 Clarion Ave in Petoskey.
