Local Salvation Army just misses campaign goal

Posted on February 8, 2019
Salvation Army Mini Kettle
The Salvation Army of McLean County said changes in shopping habits may have led to a drop in collections in the familiar red kettles. (WJBC file photo)

By Greg Halbleib

BLOOMINGTON – The local Salvation Army holiday fundraising campaign fell short of its goal, but not by much.

The Salvation Army of McLean County announced at its campaign wrap-up event Thursday night that the red kettles and mail and online donations totaled $518,142.49. That missed the goal by about $1,800.

While the kettles took in about $209,000, missing the kettle goal of $220,000, mail and online contributions exceeded the $300,000 goal by more than $9,000. Major Dan Leisher of the Bloomington Corps said the campaign came close enough to its goal that no change in services will be needed.

The Bloomington Fire Department raised $8,000 as the top bell-ringing group. The Dave Penn Memorial Award to recognize the year’s top volunteer went to food pantry worker Sue Miller.

The Salvation Army’s services include providing food to the hungry, clothing and shelter to the homeless, disaster relief, assistance to the elderly and disabled and opportunities for underprivileged children.

Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected]. 

 

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