The Salvation Army of Marshalltown needs Marshalltown’s help.

The organization’s local leadership issued a call to the Marshalltown community – asking for its support of the annual Red Kettle Campaign. As of this writing, The Salvation Army of Marshalltown had raised about 33 percent of its $202,000 Red Kettle Campaign goal for this year.

Donations to Salvation Army red kettles are critically important. Kettle donations make it possible for The Salvation Army to carry out its mission to serve those in need, both during the holiday season and well into the following year. Donations support its array of local programs, including food, utility-bill assistance, rent assistance and youth-development programs for local families in need.

What’s more, donating at red kettles is easier than ever. In addition to taking coin and paper-money donations, Marshalltown-area red kettles are also equipped to take digital donations via Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay. This array of options allows passersby to make fast, secure donations online by simply taking out the smartphones and scanning a QR code on a sign posted above the red kettle.

Can’t make it out to a red kettle to make a donation? Just go online to marshalltownredkettle.org — where people can make a fast, secure online donation. Or, if preferred, donations can be dropped off at the local office at 107 W. State St. – or mailed to: The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 482, Marshalltown, IA 50158-0482.

Donations stay local and go toward helping those most in need. The Salvation Army of Marshalltown thanks the community for its continued support.