March 29, 2024

Red Kettle campaign forges on amidst the pandemic

Extra safety measures in place for volunteers

Now more than ever local nonprofits like the Salvation Army need the community’s support.

In a year that has impacted almost every form of normal life, it’s organizations like these that have stepped up and helped those who really need it. As we enter a holiday season that may put aside normal traditions, the traditional Red Kettle Campaign is underway for the Salvation Army of Jasper County.

Bell ringers picked up the bells Nov. 12 and will be chiming away until Dec. 24. However, Captain Janelle Cleaveland said the pandemic has played a major role in this year’s campaign.

“We are 100 percent volunteer-based for bell ringers so when someone doesn’t sign up we don’t have a kettle out to raise funds,” she said.

Cleaveland encourages people to volunteer to ring bells for the campaign. They have implemented several safety measures to keep volunteers healthy.

“Masks are required to volunteer and there are supplies at each kettle for them. We have a bin at each kettle that has masks, gloves, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer in it for the volunteers to use,” Cleaveland said.

The goal for this year’s fundraiser is $37,000, which is the same as last year. In 2019, the local campaign raised $36,500 so the amount is achievable so long as people volunteer and get the kettles out for people to donate, Cleaveland said.

For those wanting to sign up, they can register online at registertoring.com and enter the 50208 zip code then select one of five locations throughout Newton. Bell ringing is usually done in two-hour blocks. Time slots are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information on how to volunteer, contact the Salvation Army office at 641-792-6131.

For those not in the public who wish to donate to the campaign, donations can be mailed to 301 N. Second Ave. E. in Newton.

Cleaveland hopes to get enough volunteers to help the nonprofit reach its goals. This is the Salvation Army’s biggest fundraiser of the year and the money helps them offer services to those in need.

“The monies raised through the kettle campaign help to fund the programs and resources that we provide to the community all year long. If we do not meet budget needs we will have to make some cuts but we are hoping that doesn’t happen,” Cleaveland said.

Contact Pam Pratt at 641-792-3121 ext. 6530 or pampratt@newtondailynews.com