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Salvation Army Reports Fewer Donations, Bell Ringers During 'Red Kettle' Season

Tanya Koonce
/
Peoria Public Radio

The bells that accompany the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign leave an unmistakable holiday song in the crisp winter air. 

Congressman Darin LaHood picked up a red apron and took a shift at the red kettle today/yesterday. The Congressman says kettle donations are down about 30% this year. But an anonymous donor is matching the kettles dollar for dollar up to $10,000 through Friday. LaHood says that makes it an even better time to pick up a bell.

“I would encourage anyone to sign up or contact the Salvation Army on their website or give them a call to come out and be a bell ringer. They’re looking for lots of people to come out. And it’s rewarding to come out and support the Salvation Army and to meet a lot of people.”

The Red Kettles and accompanying bell ringers will be out through 4:00 Christmas Eve. 

It’s part of the annual Tree of Lights Campaign. The Salvation Army needs $1.9 million for the coming year. 

The fundraising total so far is nearly $790,000 or about 3% behind where they were last year at this time. The Tree of Lights Campaign runs through January 31st.