Local Viewers Give Generously in Wake of Kettle Thefts
Christmas is the time when generosity and goodwill comes to the forefront in our society, and The Salvation Army in Chicago has been the recipient of such generosity.
Last week two red kettles were stolen in front of Neiman Marcus on Michigan Avenue, resulting is a loss of nearly $1,000 in equipment and donations. "These thefts hit us hard at this time," said Lt. Colonel Charles Smith, Metropolitan Divisional Commander. "The last few weeks before Christmas are our most productive in terms of donations."
Every local television station ran the story of the thefts and it effect on the Army's services. And immediately following the reports, viewers began reaching out to the Army to make things right.
CBS 2 viewers Tim and Carrie Kelly saw the story and decided to cover the loss and make an additional donation in memory of his brother, Patrick, before the report was even finished. "Donating isn't just the right thing to do," Kelly said. "Its a wonderful way to honor my brother." The Kellys surprised the bell ringer on Wednesday with the donation.
An ABC 7 viewer called the next day and also made a gift that doubled the losses in the kettles.
Money raised during the Army's Christmas Campaign goes immediately into the local community, providing food, shelter, safe havens and other services to those most in need. You can support the Christmas Campaign through January 2018 by making a gift online.