The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign saw record donations in 2010, thanks to the large number of people who lent support with donations and with time spent manning the Red Kettles. Red Kettle Campaign Coordinator Mary Sanders was overwhelmed by the response that netted $12,073 for Salvation Army needs in the coming year.
“We had a record year,” said Sanders, noting that the campaign raised $600 more than 2009, which had been a record year. The campaign was boosted by a number of large donations, including an anonymous donation of $1,000 sent directly to the Grand Marais State Bank. However, the donations directly given to the kettles totalled $7,166.
Sanders said the amount in the kettles is in direct proportion to the number of hours that the kettles had attendants. “For example, I had 10 hours covered at one location and five hours at the other. Both kettles yielded an average of $33 per hour of ‘ringing’ and the total was, of course, half for the five-hour site. The next week bell ringers worked for 11 hours and the kettles averaged $35 – $36 per hour. Kettle attendants are vital to the effort!” she said emphatically.
Thanks also go to the businesses that offer space for the red kettles: Johnson’s Foods, Gene’s Foods, Grand Portage Trading Post and North Shore Market. Sanders said the little red kettles are also important and she expressed appreciation to those who made space on their counters for them: Bluewater Café, Buck’s Hardware, Chicago Bay Marketplace in Hovland, Clearview General Store in Lutsen, Holiday stations in Grand Marais and Tofte, Grand Marais SuperAmerica, and Lake Superior Trading Post.
In addition to increasing donations at the red kettles, all of the volunteers who Sanders talked to after ringing the bell reported that it was a wonderful experience. Customers—and store workers— also greatly appreciated the folks who provided music at the kettles, really bringing the Christmas spirit to the effort.
“To each donor, thank you for thinking of others who will be needing help in the coming year. Funds will be put to good use in Cook County,” said Sanders.
Proceeds from the red kettles are often used in local emergency situations, such as when a family needs food, fuel, or short-term shelter that other agencies can’t provide. The local Salvation Army service unit also works with other organizations like the Girl Scouts and area churches to provide Christmas gifts for families in need and gifts for shut-ins.
If you would like to know more about the work of this county’s Salvation Army service unit, please call Sanders at 387-1729 or email her at msanders@boreal.org.
“We would give you a warm welcome to join us,” said Sanders.
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