Bell-ringing campaign brings in bundles of bills
25 $100 bills donated to Salvation Army in 2-day stretchBy JESSE HELLING, Messenger staff writer
Article Photos
Benjamin Franklin is no stranger to the Salvation Army.
Anonymous donors have made a tradition of dropping $100 bills into the red kettles that grace local store fronts during the holiday season. Last year, Franklin made about a dozen appearances throughout Fort Dodge.
But a two-day stretch last week blew that streak away.
"We had a really exciting night on Wednesday," said Capt. Danielle Shields, administrator and pastor of the Salvation Army in Fort Dodge. "We received five $100 bills at Wal-Mart, which also happened last year."
Then came Thursday.
When the buckets were emptied that evening, first one, then another bundle of 10 $100 bills were discovered.
"They were wrapped in $1 bills," Shields said. The $100 bundles came from kettles at Wal-Mart and the Crossroads Mall, she said.
In total, 33 $100 bills have been donated to the Salvation Army so far, said Shields.
"I've never seen anything quite like it," she said.
However, there's still a long way to go before the Salvation Army reaches its $115,000 goal, she said.
With seven days left in this year's kettle campaign, $49,000 has been raised so far, according to Shields.
"It's going well, but it could be going better," she said.
Past years have seen a large influx in donations during final campaign days, a pattern likely to play out again this year, Shields said.
On Thursday, firefighters from the Fort Dodge and Badger fire departments will hold their annual competition to see which can raise the most money during four hours of bell-ringing. Firefighters from Badger will be stationed at Wal-Mart and those from Fort Dodge will ring at Hy-Vee.
Last year, the kettle campaign raised more than $113,000, exceeding the goal of $110,000.
In addition to kettle-driven donations, the Salvation Army sends out a mail appeal for funds.
"Those are trickling in," said Shields. "We know a lot of people wait until the end of the season."
Located at 126 N. Seventh St., the Salvation Army provides services to the needy including meals and counseling.
The kettle campaign provides about 40 percent of the local Salvation Army's annual income.
"We're just really grateful," Shields said. "We're looking forward to another great year serving the community, and we couldn't do it without everyone's generosity."
Contact Jesse Helling at (515) 573-2141 or jhelling@messengernews.net
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Localperson
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12-16-08 3:12 PM
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An amendment to my earlier comment. I just found out that the Bell ringers were finally paid this past weekend from our friend.
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Localperson
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12-16-08 12:50 PM
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It is a great thing when people donate to a good cause so generously. That is what the holiday spirit is about. Sadly, though, the local Salvation Army has still failed to pay these devoted bellringers after 4+ weeks. A family friend has rang bells every year for them and this year the Salvation Army hasn't paid them for their hard work. One week they said they lost the paperwork, the next that they didn't submit the hours, so on and so forth. This friend of ours and her family have no other income and are trying to get by the best they can. It is sad that such a charitable organization has forgotten about those devoted to helping this cause that raises the funds necessary to keep them afloat.
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Skippy
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12-16-08 8:58 AM
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Right you are, Kaleidoscope. And there is nothing to say we must limit our giving to the Christmas Kettles to this season only. I and many others, I'm sure, also support the Salvation Army and other worthy charities each payday as part of our tithing. They do work year round, right?
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kaleidoscope
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12-16-08 1:40 AM
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To everyone reading this article online....****e on folks, look into your heart and give generously to the Salvation Army! These people give a tremendous amount of time, assistance and dedication to the people of this city and it's time to 'pay it forward' this Christmas!!
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