Red Kettles finish $100,000 Shy of Goal
Despite all the efforts to achieve a goal of necessity, The Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties local Red Kettle campaign came in $100,000 shy of its annual Kettle Campaign goal. The result of which could be cuts to services that assist our local community in need.
Indeed, The Army had set the determined goal of $600,000 for its holiday fundraising to meet the ever growing needs and demands of its programs and services. “We surely don’t want to cut any service provisions, but we will have to re-evaluate what we can offer in 2010, ” said Major Art Penhale, Corps Officer. “Not only does The Army count on the Red Kettles to help with programs and services, but it also relies on general donations throughout the year. Even those donations are down 30%. We cannot continue operating at an increasing level of need with a budget that has been and continues to run in deficit. ” stated Penhale.
The programs and services that are offered beyond Christmas are the food pantry, medical clinic for the homeless, women and children’s shelter, nightly evening meals and outreach community efforts. In 2009, The Salvation Army helped thousands of local families through those services.
“This year’s campaign began on November 13th and ran through Christmas Eve. If people still want to help us finish with a banner campaign, we would certainly welcome them to help us achieve it. We will accept donations either by mail or and online at www.SalvationArmyLeeCounty.org,” added Penhale
Major Penhale also wanted to thank all the volunteers who contributed their time to this year’s kettle effort. He also thanks the community for giving when the economy made it hard to do so.