by Kevin Zimmermann
SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) – Even in a normal year, faith is a requirement when the Sheboygan Salvation Army sets goals for its annual Red Kettle campaign. Holiday season donations fund its mission to meet the need wherever it is in Sheboygan County all year long, and much of its over half-million dollar annual budget comes directly from red kettles hosted by area merchants. But this is 2020 and, with COVID, this is anything but a normal year.
Carrye Jo Cony is the Development Director for the Sheboygan Salvation Army, and she said that if things keep going as they have, then the pandemic could increase the demand for services by 155%.
When the campaign was announced six weeks ago, Cony said that nobody knew how many retailers would participate in the annual Red Kettle Campaign that funds those services. However, all of last year’s retailers have allowed them to return, plus they’ve added Miesfeld’s Meat Market to this year’s list of hosts. Still, many of the smaller locations like bank lobbies just aren’t open and that is restricting donations. Then add the fact that the pandemic has reduced volunteers by around 80%. That has the Sheboygan Salvation Army making some of the same changes that so many others have had to do during a pandemic – go virtual.
Cony said that individuals or groups can make virtual red kettles, free of charge, through the Salvation Army website at SASheboygan.org, and as long as the kettle says “Sheboygan County,” then those donations stay here to fund year-long operations serving those in need.
Volunteer bell-ringers are still welcome and, whether signing up for a shift or making a virtual red kettle, a visit to SASheboygan.org will provide all the needed information.
Comments