Red Kettle Campaign Looking for Strong Finish

The Salvation Army is looking for a strong finish for the red kettle portion of its Tree of Lights Campaign. The campaign currently stands at $ 840,172 or about 53% of its $1,575,000 campaign goal. The bells will stop ringing on Saturday, December 24th, but the remainder of a $20,000 kettle match, courtesy of The Salvation Army Advisory Board, will continue today. The last few days are typically among the largest giving days for kettles as shoppers are out in full force making last minute purchases. “We had a good day on Thursday, with almost double the usual kettle income, so thanks to the Advisory Board for the match and the public for responding,” said Major Tom McDowell, who oversees the kettles in the tri-county area. The Advisory Board is also taking up the challenge, manning the kettle at the Bass Pro Shop in East Peoria today.

Gold coin auction – The gold coin auction wraps up today at noon, so get your bids in this morning! Visit www.usc.salvationarmy.org/heartland and bid online or by calling Susan Moore at 655-1341. Proceeds benefit the Tree of Lights Campaign.

Other Ways to Give – While kettles wrap up on Saturday, gifts can be made through the end of January toward the overall Tree of Lights Campaign goal. Donations 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.