Local Salvation Army raises fundraising goals

The Isabella County branch of the Salvation Army is raising its yearly goal for the bell-ringing fundraising campaign.

Despite cutbacks around Michigan, the 2009 goal for the bell-ringing campaign is $55,000. The branch met last year’s goal of $50,000.

“We increased it because we saw an increase in need,” said Capt. Brian Reed of the Isabella County branch. “We are very confident that this community can step up and help others. It’s not a ‘sucking it up’ attitude.”

Bell ringers will be stationed around Mount Pleasant at both Walgreens, 1309 S. Mission St. and 903 N. Mission St.; Wal-Mart, 4208 E. Blue Grass Road; Sam’s Club, 4850 Encore Blvd.; and Kroger, 4080 E. Blue Grass Road.

The Salvation Army also is setting up a number of counter kettles around the community. The counter kettle at 7-Eleven, 302. W. Broomfield St., is one of the Salvation Army’s most profitable kettles.

“It’s a great opportunity for us and we’re thankful for the college students, knowing their financial situation,” Reed said.

Others lowering

The Isabella County branch is part of the Western Michigan and Northern Indiana division of the Salvation Army.
Last week, the Eastern Michigan division announced its overall fundraising goal would be lowered because of the economy.

While the eastern Michigan goal is down, the Western Michigan and Northern Indiana division divides their cities into “cores,” which the overall goal is derived from.

“Overall, as a division, each core sets their own goals,” said Kris Palosaari, divisional development director for the Grand Rapids division.

The division is hoping to maintain last year’s levels in spite of the economy.

“It’s between those that are maintaining, a few are raising (their goal), and are offset by a few that are lowering,” said Maj. Ralph Bukiewicz of the Grand Rapids division. “I would say across the board, everyone is being as assertive as possible with their plans.”

A few communities, such as Isabella County, are raising their goals because they feel there are opportunities that have not been fulfilled in the past.

The proceeds will go back to the operating budget of the Salvation Army. Around 35 percent of the proceeds will be spent for the Christmas season, and the rest should last until April or May of 2010.

The bell-ringing campaign runs Mondays through Saturdays between Nov. 16 and Dec. 24.