A late Thanksgiving has left the Bloomington Salvation Army behind in its Red Kettle collections for the holiday season, according to captain Gordon Hoag.
With less than two weeks left until Christmas, the Bloomington branch has collected less than half of its $275,000 goal.
“We’re running 20 to $25,000 behind last year,” Hoag says. “Basically as a result of not having as many days to be out there ringing the bell.”
Despite the setbacks Hoag says things are going “very well” given the circumstances – but they still need bell ringers to run the ubiquitous kettles outside stores in Bloomington.
To keep the kettles staffed, the Bloomington Salvation Army has relied on paid bell ringers this year, as only about 40 percent have been volunteers.
“Of course, we would rather have volunteers out there because it helps the bottom line,” Hoag says. “But we don’t mind giving people jobs as well. It helps them and it helps us at the same time.”
The Salvation Army also has a new option this year that allows people to donate electronically through Apple Pay or Google Wallet if they don’t have cash. Hoag added there is also a credit card machine at the kettle outside of at least one location.
“As society turns more towards a cashless situation, we’re just trying to keep up with the times and make it more convenient for people to be able to donate and support our organization and help those that are in need,” he says.
Hoag says there’s still time for people to sign up, either as a volunteer or for pay.
Those interested can visit registertoring.com or call the Bloomington branch.
