Salvation Army needs $28,000 to hit kettle goal

The local Salvation Army outreach needs $28,000 to reach its goal of $115,000 for the 2016 Red Kettle Campaign.

Kettles will be out at various Columbus locations — including both Walmarts, Kroger Marketplace, Hobby Lobby, Rural King, and Sam’s Club — until 2 p.m. Saturday, or slightly later if needed. said Capt. Alan Sladek of The Salvation Army.

“We need your help,” Sladek said in a message to the community.

He has seen residents come through in similar situations before.

In 2013, residents gave $32,000 in a few days’ time to reach the kettle goal.

If money falls short of the 2016 goal, some programs and initiatives will have to be cut, Sladek said.

Money from the campaign is used for the ministry and social service’s food pantry, to cover utilities for people who are struggling, summer camp for youth, after-school programs and a variety of other 2017 projects.

Centra Foundation giving

Money already has come into The Salvation Army this season through the generosity of partners.Centra Foundation’s Holiday Giving Program provided winter clothes and toys for more than 80 children from at-risk homes Bartholomew County. Centra Credit Union branches hosted the Holiday Giving Program and raised more than $11,000 to support The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program and the Fraternal Order of Police Shop with a Cop programs.

Representatives from both organizations recently collected a check of $5,570.

The Holiday Giving Program was designed as an alternative means to support local Holiday Assistance Programs. Christmas Trees at Centra Credit Union branches were decorated with Angel Tags representing children registered for the Angel Tree program and the Shop with a Cop program. Centra branch staff welcomed monetary gifts of all amounts to support the programs.

Lyn Morgan, president of the Centra Foundation, said that big and modest givers made the Holiday Giving Program successful.

“All were important and made a difference in the life of a child,” Morgan said. “It was humbling to talk with parents during the gift distributions and learn about their family situation and current challenges. Everyone I spoke with was very grateful for the Christmas assistance and knowing that other community residents cared enough about their children to make sure they had Christmas gifts.”

Alan Trisler, president of the Fraternal Order of Police, mentioned that more than 130 youngsters received presents.

“My wife, Jodi, and I cannot thank Centra Foundation and Centra members enough for their generous support for the Angel Tree program,” Sladek said. “Holiday giving funds are key to buying gifts for children whose Angel Tree tag was not adopted and for children on the waiting list. We just added 22 children to the waiting list this week.”

Centra Foundation is the charitable arm of Centra Credit Union.

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Here are major Salvation Army kettle locations open through Saturday:

  • Edinburgh Premium Outlets, 11622 NE Executive Drive near Edinburgh.
  • Hobby Lobby, Clifty Crossing Shopping Center, 1149 N. National Road, Columbus
  • Kroger Marketplace, 3060 N. National Road, Columbus
  • Rural King, 2985 N. National Road, Columbus
  • Sam’s Club, 2715 Merchant Mile, Columbus
  • Walmart, 735 Whitfield Drive and 2025 Merchant Mile, Columbus

To give to the cause without visiting a kettle, donations can be delivered to The Salvation Army office at 2525 Illinois St. They also can be mailed to Salvation Army, P.O. Box 807, Columbus IN 47202.

Information: 812-372-7118.

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