Kettle Challenge Match Grant Allows Others To Help The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is down to the last few days of its red kettles and continues to get help from area businesses and individuals. The Salvation Army Advisory Board has combined forces to create a challenge to the community to help fill kettles on Thursday, December 22 and Friday, December 23. The combined contributions will provide a dollar for dollar match on kettle donations up to $20,000. “The average kettle day this year to date is a little more than $6,700, so we are hoping this match will drive more traffic to the kettles these two days,” said Major Tom McDowell, who heads up the tri-county kettle campaign.

“We continue to see many people reaching out for assistance, and we rely on the generosity of the community to continue meeting people’s need for necessities like rent and food for their family,” said Major Evie Diaz, The Salvation Army Divisional Commander. “We appreciate the Advisory Board’s generosity in providing this challenge match.”

To date, $693,568 has been raised toward the $1,575,000 dollar goal for the Tree of Lights Campaign. Meeting the goal means that The Salvation Army will be able to continue providing for the many thousands of individuals who will rely on the Army to be their angels of mercy during 2012.The campaign runs through the end of January.

People can still sign up to ring this week by visiting www.ringbells.org and clicking on Peoria to see what shifts are available.

Donations to the Tree of Lights Campaign can be made by 1)delivering to The Salvation Army, 401 N.E. Adams, Peoria, 2)mailing to The Salvation Army, PO Box 1468, Peoria,IL 61655, or by 3)calling (309) 655-7220 to charge on American Express, Visa, MasterCard or Discover Card. It is also still possible to make gifts of stock to The Salvation Army as well by calling (309) 655-7220.