Salvation Army envoy hopes Red Kettles will meet this year’s goal
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Bells are ringing in front of Marshalltown stores. Volunteers with the Salvation Army of Marshalltown are giving their time to the annual Red Kettle campaign. They are standing by the red kettles and ringing their bells, asking store customers to give donations to the Salvation Army.
The ringers can be found in front of Fareway, Hy-Vee, Hobby Lobby, Theisen's and Walmart from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Envoy John Hofer said this year they hope to raise $60,000, which is part of the $173,000 Christmas fundraising goal. Some of the remaining $113,000 will come from mailed donations. The money will be used to pay for assistance during Christmas and afterward. Such assistance includes rent and utilities, youth activities, summer camp, the pantry and more.
Thus far, the annual gold bar dropped in one of the Marshalltown kettles by a mysterious donor is unaccounted for. However, Hofer said they have faith it will make an appearance. He was thankful for the donations and contributions the community has provided so far this holiday season.
"The donations we receive during the Red Kettle Campaign are used year round," Hofer said. "With your continued support, you can help bring Love Beyond Christmas."
Last year, donations to the Salvation Army during the holidays decreased. The worsening economy made it difficult for people to donate. Giving USA, a philanthropic publication, released a report which stated charitable donations in the country fell steeply -- 10 percent when adjusted for inflation -- in 2022.
"The needs are increasing and donations have been down," he said. "Lack of personnel at kettles means donations go down, so our need for volunteers at the kettle is critical to meet our goal."
Despite the decrease, Hofer remains optimistic about the charitable nature of Marshalltown residents. In the few months he has been in the envoy position, he has seen the generosity of both time and money. For example, more than 35 volunteers helped with the Thanksgiving meal, and 200 people were served.
"I am confident that if all six Red Kettle locations had even just a few hours of bell ringers each day by groups and more volunteers we would reach our goals each year," Hofer said. "I believe we have a caring country and community and donations are actually on the rise. People everywhere know the needs are rising. The economy and circumstances for many are terrible, but there is just so much need that it makes it feel like the resources are challenged."
To help with the Red Kettle, Hofer has started contacting past groups and clubs which previously volunteered to ring bells. He hopes to encourage them to consider ringing again. Groups which have already rang the bells include the Kiwanis, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Melbourne 4-H. Hofer will contact the Marshalltown fire and police departments, and first responders to compete for the traveling trophy.
Sometimes the ringers bring some entertainment. Hofer said the Kiwanis Quartet performed on Saturday at Hy-Vee, and may return for another performance, but a time has not yet been set.
"The weather is the mighty discourager," Hofer said. "However, warm hearts prevail, in which Marshalltown has thus far shown an abundance of."
He hopes more people will give some of their time to the cause, especially since the need for volunteers is critical.
"They can easily reserve a time and location by visiting registertoring.com where they can enter the zip code of the community they wish to ring in and select a time and location," Hofer said.
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Contact Lana Bradstream
at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or
lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.