Just as most will be heading home early on Christmas Eve, so the Salvation Army will be wrapping up its Christmas Campaign of bell ringers and virtual kettles for the 2021 season at 1 O’clock on Friday.
Sheboygan Salvation Army Development Director Carrye Jo Cony said she’s hoping for a solid push to the finish line, telling us that traditionally, the days just before Christmas make for a “really, really strong week.” And it will take a strong turnout to reach the goal of $135,000 as donations have now come only about half way.
The corporate campaign, which runs another two weeks, is also about halfway to its goal of just over $700,000, and Cony said that both efforts are critical to Salvation Army programs. The hoped-for $850,000 total will be used to serve the homeless and hungry in the Sheboygan Area for the entire year.
Increased demand for services has been seen both in the Salvation Army’s food bank, as well as at the Army’s Christmas Toy Shop, which this last weekend provided toys to some 1,500 children in 500 families this year. That’s 100 more families than last year, which they thought would be the peak.
Cony blames COVID for the increased demand, and also for a larger number of cancellations among volunteer bell-ringers. She encouraged anyone available to sign up for a shift online at RegisterToRing.com, reminding us that, “Volunteering at a kettle stand, this week in particular, can have a huge impact. Somebody ringing a bell for two hours the week before Christmas could raise enough money to provide three nights of shelter for a homeless individual.”
Anyone interested in signing up to ring, make a donation, or get more information can visit SASheboygan.org.
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