Mike Wolanin | The Republic Salvation Army bell ringer Dakota Laktonen, left, uses his hand to stabilize the donation kettle as Lydia Kostek makes a donation to the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign outside Hobby Lobby in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Dec. 2, 2022.
With just 12 days until Christmas, The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle fundraising campaign is getting a helping hand from two local foundations.
The Elizabeth Ruddick Nugent Foundation and the Custer Foundation are matching donations made to Bartholomew County Red Kettles on Friday and Saturday. The combined gifts will match cash donations from shoppers up to $5,000.
“Each year in our small town we find ourselves praying for love and support from the community and daring to pray boldly that the Lord will either supply a multitude of faithful and consistent donors or one of two major donors,” said Capt. Amy Tompkins, leader of the local nonprofit that operates a busy food bank, utilities assistance and much more to help the struggling. “The matching funds from Custer Foundation and Nugent Foundation will give us the boost that we need to stay on our projected path.
“Meeting our goal after a few setbacks gives us the incentive to expect that our services to Columbus will continue and thrive.”
At press time, the current total for the annual, local Red Kettle Campaign was at about $35,000. The goal ideally by Dec. 24 is $135,000. But, most years, mail-in donations can be tallied toward the goal until the end of January, which happened last year when the $135,000 goal was met.
“We are up a little bit (in the kettle total) from two weeks ago,” Tompkins said. “But we are still nowhere where we need to be at this time.”
The Salvation Army of Columbus has worked throughout the pandemic and recent economic downturn to meet the increased needs of residents facing uncertainty, job loss and a rising cost of living. With Christmas just around the corner, Tompkins and her team are busy ensuring that families have a joyful holiday filled with hope and love.
One main Christmas program is its Christmas Angel Tree program for children and young people.
Donations made to Red Kettles in November and December keep the hope alive for these families long after Christmas has passed, covering much of the ministry budget for the following year, except for salaries. The budget includes everything from afterschool programs to summer camps for youths.
“We are always grateful for the quarters and pennies that come into our kettles,” Tompkins said. “But I will admit that a $100 bill brings a sigh of relief. We don’t appreciate them more. We just know that God uses those donors to bless us in so many ways.”
As it has been since the early 2000s, the Salvation Army also has a severe need for volunteers to help ring bells at Red Kettles this weekend and on the final shopping days leading up to Christmas.
Tompkins pointed out that these important volunteers are vital to reaching the goal of raising $5,000 on Friday and Saturday. Anyone interested in volunteering to ring a bell for two hours is invited to visit RegisterToRing.com and find a location, date, and time that works for their schedule.
Every donation given to The Salvation Army through the annual Red Kettle Campaign provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay right here in Indiana.
