To the editor:

The Salvation Army would like to thank all the volunteers who signed up and rang the bell during the 2020 Red Kettle season. A special thank you goes out to all the donors that believe in the mission of the Salvation Army.

This year we came up short of our goal of $52,500, by $10,000.

The main reason we did not reach our Red Kettle goal, was because there were kettle sites that were un-manned most of the season.

The Salvation Army took COVID-19 precautions to keep both the ringers and donor safe. All ringers were required to wear masks, hand sanitizer was available at the kettle, and all bell and kettles were sanitized before they were used.

I believe the COVID fear is what kept people from volunteering for us this year.

The Angel Tree program was a big success too. Families that signed up were generously given toys and Christmas food basket.

With the shortage in the Kettles this year, the Salvation Army will look for additional funding other places. The Compassion Kitchen and Food Pantry will continue to be available Monday through Friday.

These two programs are a necessity in our community and we will make sure they will stay funded and available to the residents in Webster County.

To make a donation, please contact the Salvation Army at (515) 576-1281.

Maj. Rick Hamelund

Salvation Army

Fort Dodge