Two significant financial incentives will help the Red Kettle campaign of the Columbus Salvation Army reach and perhaps surpass its $100,000 goal for this year.
The McLean, Virginia-based Conover Foundation has agreed to match dollar-for-dollar all donations up to $5,000 during the remainder of the Salvation Army’s holiday fundraiser in Bartholomew County.
Meanwhile, the Elizabeth Ruddick Nugent Foundation has added $10,000 to the Conover’s Red Kettle match that will double donations made by the public.
Donations made from Thursday through Tuesday, Dec. 24 will be matched by both organizations, according to Capt. Amy Tompkins, corps officer for The Salvation Army of Columbus. The only day when Red Kettles bell ringers aren’t actively seeking donations is Sunday.
Kettles and bell ringers can be found at several locations around Columbus including Walmart, Sam’s Club, Kroger, Hobby Lobby and Walgreens. Smaller counter kettles are also sprinkled around the community at retailers and restaurants, organizers said.
“This is such a vital time in our Red Kettle campaign,” Tompkins said. “With just a few days left of bell ringing, every donation means we’re one step closer to funding our ministries in Bartholomew County in 2025.
More than 1,300 local families a month are now using the food pantry within the Salvation Army’s Community Center at 2525 Illinois St., according to Tompkins.
“Our pantry is growing because there is more need,” she said, adding the local Salvation Army is seeing many people for the first time.
While Tompkins said she knows it’s hard for some people to swallow their pride, the corps officer said nobody should feel embarrassed requesting help because assisting others is what her organization has been doing since 1865.
“We would rather take a burden of giving them groceries and food, so they can help pay their bills or take care of other needs,” Tompkins said.
Besides individual contributors, Kroger and Walmart have been making donations to help the local organization handle the growing demand.
Apart from operating the food pantry, the local Salvation Army provides other services such as sending kids to camp, sponsoring youth programs, assisting women in need, conducting an off-drugs support group and providing utility assistance, Tompkins said.
The Conover Foundation is named in honor of Mary Elizabeth Conover Mellon (1904- 1946). Her husband was the son of Andrew Melon, the financier and art collector who served as Secretary of the Treasury during three different Republican administrations.
According to its website, the Conover Foundation strives to change the way the world lives by building alliances with natural peacemakers such as the Salvation Army.
Established in 1961, the Columbus-based Nugent Foundation provides grants for arts, community, economic development, family services, health care, human services, Protestant agencies and churches. Last year, the foundation provided $518,000 in grants.
How to help
Those who seldom use cash for shopping can drop off a check at a Red Kettle location, or at the Salvation Army Community Center at 2525 Illinois St.
Many Red Kettle locations have scan codes that will immediately take a potential contributor to the donation page.
Donations can also be made online. For more information about the Red Kettle Campaign or The Salvation Army, visit sacolumbus.org.
Many more volunteer bell ringers are still needed to ensure that Red Kettles can be out through Christmas Eve. Individuals, groups, and families are invited to sign up on registertoring.com for the location, date, and time of their choosing.
Businesses interested in hosting a Red Kettle or a counter kettle during these final days of the campaign should reach out to Capt. Amy Tompkins at (812) 372-7118.
