STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — The Salvation Army of Portage County has crossed the halfway point of the 2018 Red Kettle campaign and could still use your help going into the final two and a half weeks of the season.
Volunteer Brant Bergeron says this year’s goal is $200,000 in donations to fund the group for 2019, and so far they haven’t quite hit the halfway point. “We’re just a little bit behind as we are just past the halfway mark,” he said. “It’s as important as ever that people find the Christmas spirit, and get out and drop that money in the kettles as they are out and about this holiday season.”
He says some colder-than-normal temperatures have also impacted donations, as people are less likely to sign up to ring a bell or follow through with a previous commitment to ring as the mercury drops. “A kettle that goes unattended has about a five percent chance of having people donate. If someone is there, it’s up to 75% that people will donate.”
The group will also have a pair of “challenge” events in the coming weeks to encourage more donations, one involving various public safety officials and another pitting Packers and Bears fans against each other to see who can raise more dollars for the group.
Bell ringing shifts in Portage County are still available. Bergeron encourages anyone who’s interested to visit registertoring.com or contact the Portage County Salvation Army headquarters at 715-341-2437.
