SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - The Salvation Army-Sheboygan Corps expects to fall short of their goal for raising money with their annual Red Kettle Drive.
The final total is still being counted, and as of Wednesday the organization says the 32 day drive raised $126,352. That got high praise from the corps' Development Director Abby Block. "“As you can imagine, that’s a lot of dimes, quarters and dollar bills," she said. "We are incredibly grateful to have the support of the Sheboygan community. We couldn’t continue ‘Doing the Most Good’ without it!”
However, the goal for the corps in 2015 was 160-thousand dollars. “Although we still have several Counter Kettles and paper ‘Hang-a-Kettle’ donations to collect next week, we anticipate falling about $30,000 shy of our goal," says Block."
This year's Red Kettle campaign was coordinated by Carrye Jo Cony, her third time doing this. She says there are several factors which likely led to the shortfall. Cony believes that, “the combination of the unusually warm weather, people carrying more cards and less cash, and the increasing popularity of online shopping means less coins and bills in our kettles.”
The Red Kettle Drive is part of the corps’ annual Christmas fundraising effort, which raises approximately one-fourth of the funds needed to run their operations year-round. As of Wednesday, they had raised $448,881. Their goal is to reach 540-thousand by January 15.
“Although we have not yet met our goal this Christmas, I am humbled by the outpouring of generosity shown by the Sheboygan community,” said Lt. Daryl Mangeri, Corps Officer and Pastor. “We are grateful for each and every gift entrusted to us, from the nickel placed in a Red Kettle by a child, to large contributions from area companies. The funds raised will stay here to help thousands of neighbors in Sheboygan County.”
Donations can still be given to the Salvation Army at their location in Sheboygan, mailed in, or done online at their website.