The Red Kettles are out

Rescue Christmas is the Salvation Army’s mantra this year. You can help the Salvation Army help those in need by dropping your change in the Red Kettles or using the virtual Red Kettle. As a result of the pandemic, the Salvation Army could expect to see a 50% drop in Red Kettle donations, while at the same time seeing a 155% increase in the number of people requesting assistance.

“Our ability to raise vital funds to serve those in need this Christmas and beyond is at risk,” said Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, National Commander of The Salvation Army. “We need everyone who has the capacity to come alongside us and ensure that the holiday season is bright for millions. We’re asking you to help rescue Christmas with us by providing support in any way you can. Our hope is to offset these challenges to meet the increasing demand for services across our nation.”

You can find the familiar Red Kettle in the following convenient locations in the Fillmore County Journal distribution area between now and Christmas Eve during business hours which vary by business.

• Canton: First State Bank
• Houston: Root River Market
• Lanesboro: S&A (BP)
• Ostrander: Wolf’s Den
• Peterson: Burdy’s Cafe
• Rushford: Rushford State Bank
• Spring Grove: Red’s IGA
• Spring Valley: Ace Hardware and Sunshine Foods
• Wykoff: Goodie’s & Gas and Wykoff Coffee & Confections

In Preston, volunteers are scheduled to ring the bells on Friday, December 18, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at F & M Community Bank and 4-7 p.m. at Preston Foods.

New this year! Virtual Red Kettles. Dan Furry, Divisional Public Relations & Communications Director, Salvation Army Northern Division explained what virtual Red Kettles are. “The kettles are “virtual kettles,” meaning that we have added digital giving options at all the kettles – to make it easier for people to make a gift if they don’t have cash or change, and to provide completely contactless ways to make a gift. All kettles are equipped with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and QR code scan options. Those options are also available to make a gift even if no one is manning the kettle, making it a virtual kettle. The actual “cash” kettle will not be present if a ringer isn’t present.

In addition to putting cash or checks into the kettles there are also electronic pay options on-line at: give.salvationarmyusa.org/give/164006/#!/donation/checkout.

Mail-in donations to support Fillmore County can be made by sending to F & M Community Bank, Box 467, Preston, Minn. 55965, made out to Salvation Army – Fillmore County.  Approximately 88% of the money you donate stays in Fillmore County, with the remainder funding regional needs.

Mail-in donations to support Houston County can be made by writing checks payable to Salvation Army – Houston County, mailed to Salvation Army of Houston County, c/o Merchants Bank, PO Box 188, Caledonia, Minn. 55921.

If you would like to volunteer to ring the bell, visit www.registertoring.com to find locations where bell ringers are need and to reserve a time that fits your schedule.