The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign is more than halfway to its overall goal of 3.1 million dollars this year.
Madeline Madden directs the Tree of Lights Campaign, which continues through Christmas Eve.
Madden says with the costs of everything going up, it’s increasingly difficult for some families to make ends meet.
She says one thing the Salvation Army prides itself on is being able to assess individuals’ basic needs, meet them where they’re at, and help them, so they can move forward with their lives.
"Get the guidance and counseling individuals need so they can become self-sufficient and help themselves. And sometimes it’s a host of skills that they need to become reacquainted with, whether it’s going out to look for a job or figuring out how to manage a budget and those types of skills that they look for some extra support on.”
Madden says each kettle now has a QR code on it, allowing donors with smartphones to contribute even if they aren’t carrying cash.
All money raised during the Red Kettle Campaign stays in the community.