Due to increased need, one of the most iconic holiday fundraising campaigns in the country is starting early this year.
The Columbus Salvation Army office is joining its organization’s national body in a “Rescue Christmas” fundraising campaign.
The concept behind such an early push and promotion — the first time for such a move in 130 years — is the larger-than-normal array of needs among the public because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Across some parts of the Salvation Army Indiana Division, needs are expected to be 155% greater than last year, according to Samantha Hyde, director of community relations for the Salvation Army’s divisional headquarters in Indianapolis.
Locally, need at the food pantry is up 33% since spring when the pandemic hit, according to Capt. Amy Tompkins, who leads the social service agency and Christian ministry. She said the pantry currently is serving about 1,200 people per month.
Plus, the local office also is seeing a rise in requests for help with utilities and rent because of job trims and loss. United Way of Bartholomew County and its certified agencies have been reporting the same from its clients since spring.
“We’re normally are trying to help people become more self-sufficient, but that’s tough right now,” Tompkins said.
For now, Tompkins said the most helpful action people can take is by donating financially to its cause. Generally, its Christmas campaign, which includes its Red Kettle collection and more, funds the outreach’s entire budget for the calendar year except for its small staff’s salaries. The Salvation Army’s work, besides meeting basic needs, includes an Angel Tree Christmas gift program for children and young people to age 15, summer camp, a range of after-school programs, Bible studies and more.
Last year’s local kettle campaign ended short of its goal, especially since there were enough bell ringers only for two or three sites most days instead of the scheduled 15 sites, according to Tompkins. Also, the number of volunteer bell ringers has declined substantially in Columbus over the past decade, according to leaders.
Plus, fewer people carry cash to donate to the kettles. So, for the first time in Columbus when the kettles open Nov. 2, people can donate to the kettles by using a QR code on their smartphones.
But last year’s overall Christmas campaign generated $116,000, Tompkins said. She estimates that more than that will be needed this year.
Nationally and statewide, Salvation Army officials are concerned that the number of retail stores closing will reduce foot traffic and in turn reduce Red Kettle donations this year to help what it calls “the most vulnerable.”
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Visit SalvationArmyIndiana.org/Rescue-Christmas to donate or learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army rescue Christmas this year.
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