The Salvation Army Sheboygan Sets Out to “Rescue Christmas” Due to Immense Impact of COVID
The Salvation Army Sheboygan Sets Out to “Rescue Christmas” Due to Immense Impact of COVID-19
SHEBOYGAN, WI (October 1, 2020) - 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.
Based on the increase in services already provided in response to the pandemic, the organization could serve up to 155 percent more people in 2020 with Christmas assistance, including putting food on the table, paying bills, providing shelter and helping place gifts under the tree – assuming the resources are available. In Sheboygan county, we gifted Christmas toys to 1,377 children last year. If we see the predicted level of increased requests for service, that would mean 2,134 children would need our help this holiday season.
At the same time, due to 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 $126 million was raised nationally through about 30,000 red kettles. Historically 17 retailers across Sheboygan county participate in the red kettle bell ringing campaign, with an additional 75 area businesses providing countertop space for the placement of smaller red kettles.
“We simply won’t know what this bell ringing season will look like with agreements from local stores and volunteer support until we are in the thick of it,” said Major Sally Davis. “One thing we do know is that That Salvation Army is here to help”.
Since March, The Salvation Army has continued to provide food, shelter, financial assistance with utilities, medical supplies and prescriptions, showers, mental health counseling and work boots. Now more than ever, they’re making it safer and simpler to donate in order to support the most vulnerable in Sheboygan county:
- Donate online or by mail to 710 Pennsylvania Ave., Sheboygan, WI 53081.
- Volunteer to ring bells at a local retailer. To help ensure the safety of bell ringers, donors and partners, The Salvation Army has adopted nationally mandated safety protocols.
- Donate digitally with Apple Pay or Google Pay at any red kettle stand.
- Host a small counter kettle at your business or holiday gathering.
- Make your very own virtual red kettle webpage and encourage support amongst family and friends.
- Donate new toys to a local Toys for Tots collection box starting in November.
- Purchase gift cards for area families through the new Cards for Kids program.
Visit www.SAsheboygan.org or call 920-458-3723 to learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army rescue Christmas this year. Every donation provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay within Sheboygan county.
If you or someone you know is experiencing financial difficulties this Christmas, please visit http://www.SAsheboygan.org to sign up for Christmas Assistance.
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ABOUT THE SALVATION ARMY: For more than 120 years, the Sheboygan Area Salvation Army has served struggling neighbors in His name, without discrimination. Each year, thousands of area men, women and children find shelter, food, and other assistance. With the community’s help, we continue “Doing the Most Good” for those who need it most. For more information, visit www.sasheboygan.org. To schedule a tour or learn how you can get involved, call Carrye Jo Cony at 920-694-1271 or email her at carryejo.cony@usc.salvationarmy.org.