CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The Salvation Army and Prairie Gardens leaders kicked off the annual Red Kettle Campaign at Prairie Gardens on Friday. This year’s fundraising goal is $200,000 to help the Salvation Army continue serving 75,000 people in the county who need assistance.
Captain Kenyon Sivels, from the Salvation Army was on hand, as well as Prairie Gardens President Steve Brown. Sivels said the number of people they need to support grows every year. “We keep seeing an increase in the number of residents who are impacted by inflation, food insecurity, unafordable housing, and health crisis, to name a few. The kettles are a way for the community to help others who need it most.”
The annual Red Kettle Christmas Campaign raises funds to provide critical resources, such as groceries, emergency rental and utility assistance, Veterans Services, homeless outreach services, emergency disaster response, and Christmas gifts for children and seniors. Kenyon said they are still in need of volunteers, and the community can each do their small part. “If every resident of this county gave $1, or volunteered their time ringing a bell, we could meet our goal. It takes everyone lending a helping hand to make this work.”