The next few days are crucial ones for the North Bay Salvation Army Kettle Campaign.
Heading into the weekend the campaign was sitting at roughly $107,000.
This year’s goal is to raise $150,000.
“I would say things are maybe a little slower compared to the past two years,” said Major Bonita McGory.
“If we get all of our kettles out and staffed on Monday that would be a big help. On Christmas Eve we only have four spots to fill. So, if we can get enough volunteers to help work at those kettles, then I think we will be pretty close to our goal.”
While the Salvation Army is open to accepting donations throughout the year, the Christmas Kettle Campaign is its only major fundraiser.
“There are six weeks every year when we actively go out and solicit donations. There are people who make donations throughout the year, and of course those are more than welcome.”
Money raised helps to support its many community programs.
“We have a food bank where we serve 60 plus people every week. We have school lunches. We are averaging close to 400 school lunches a month. And we have emergency housing. We have all kinds of emergency help for people that is on a case by case basis. We also send about 25 kids to camp in the summertime, free of charge to a week-long adventure camp,” said McGory.
“Also, in the services we offer, we gave out 625 Christmas hampers in the past two days.”
Last year the North Bay Salvation Army was one of a few sites to pilot the use of debit machines to make donating easier at the kettles.
Based on that success, the machines are back again this year at various kettle locations throughout the city.
“We have six out this year and they’re working very, very well. We’ve gotten some big donations on there.”
This is the third-year volunteering at a kettle for Mary Marrs.
“I like to meet people, so I enjoy doing that standing here,” said Marrs.
“North Bay is known for being generous so I think they will continue to be this year.”
The kettles shut down at 2:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
