Community Corner

Donations Down for Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign

The Red Kettle Campaign is the Salvation Army's largest fundraising campaign each year, and will run through Dec. 24.

'Tis the season for giving, and the The Livingston County Salvation Army is asking residents to keep that in mind while out holiday shopping.

Their Red Kettle Campaign, the single largest, intensive and public campaign of the year, is down about $13,000 in donations as of Monday, compared to this point during last year's campaign.

Captain Aaron Ortman of the Livingston County Salvation Army said part of the issue has been the lack of ringers to man the kettles, but that has started to get a little better.

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"Outside of that, we're not exactly sure (why we're behind from last year)," he said. "We did extremely well last year as opposed to other years. We have about a week to go to raise about $55,000."

The Livingston County Salvation Army during it's campaign last year. The Salvation Army hopes to raise at least $200,000 through the Red Kettle Campaign, which runs through Dec. 24. The organization hopes to raise an additional $167,000 through mailed and online donations.

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"This helps us sustain throughout the entire year," Ortman said of the campaign. "It funds pretty much everything that we do, whether it be our emergency assistance programs, helping people with rent, utilities, prescription help, food to youth and adult programming. It runs the gamut of all the things we try to do here in Livingston County."

All donations stay in the county, Ortman added.

The following locations are hosting a kettle this season: Walmart (Howell, Fowlerville & Hartland), Kroger (Howell, Hartland, Brighton & Hamburg), VG’s (Howell & Brighton), Busch’s, Walgreens (Howell, Hartland & Brighton), TJ Maxx, JCPenney, Jonna’s Market and Big Lots.

“Livingston County has a track record of helping one another out,” Ortman said. “The needs of those we serve is greater than ever and funds collected at Christmas are needed to meet needs all year.  I would encourage those who can give to give generously.”

To volunteer to ring the bell at one of the Livingston County kettles, please visit www.registertoring.com or call Liz at 517-546-4750 x107. Monetary donations may be brought in to: The Salvation Army; 503 Lake Street; Howell, MI 48843; sent to The Salvation Army P.O. Box 647, Howell, MI 48844 or visit us on the web to donate at: www.salvationarmylivingston.org


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