Salvation Army sets higher goal for Red Kettle campaign

The Salvation Army is stepping up the goal for its annual Red Kettle campaign in light of rising need in the area.

This year, officials hope to bring in donations of $250,000 — nearly 8 percent more than last year’s all-time high of $232,000. Despite the recession, organizers are hopeful that donors will dig a little deeper in order to help the growing number of needy families in the community.

“It is important for residents of Lynchburg and the surrounding counties to be aware of those families right here who face the prospect of a most difficult Christmas season, struggling even to meet their basic necessities,” Major David Cope, director of the local Salvation Army office, said in a news release.

Money raised through the Red Kettle campaign is used to provide food and Christmas toys for needy families. The proceeds from last year’s campaign allowed the Salvation Army to help 807 families, or more than 4,100 people, according to the charity.

The Salvation Army also runs numerous other aid programs year-round, including a homeless shelter, soup kitchen and various financial assistance opportunities.

“Although the Salvation Army’s visibility is more heightened during the holidays, we want everyone to know our programs are ongoing,” Cope said. “We all need to come together to revitalize and strengthen the core of our local community by offering support to those needy families and individuals in any way we can.”

The Red Kettle campaign, the Salvation Army’s major annual fundraiser, brings scores of bell ringers to various locations throughout the area, each posted next to one of the group’s iconic red donation kettles.

This year’s campaign will run from Nov. 13 to Dec. 24. Kettles will be placed at 23 local shopping sites.

The kick-off event on Nov. 13 will be marked by a Media Mogul Competition, wherein media personalities and community leaders will be invited to ring bells for an hour and compete to see who can coax the most change from the pockets of passersby.

In addition to donors, the Salvation Army will also be looking for bell ringers throughout the duration of the campaign. Those interested in volunteering should contact Nancy Shivers or Wayne Wade at (434) 845-5939.