ROSEVILLE, Minn. – The Salvation Army bells ring outside the Lunds & Byerlys in Roseville. It’s a sound that calls on people like Dan Young to spread Christmas cheer to those in need.
“You know it’s the holidays and you want to use your generosity and help them,” Young said.
The Salvation Army says it is a proven fact that donations decrease when the bells are not ringing.
Fewer volunteers means fewer rings and fewer dollars raised.
“It’s been a difficult year for many of the people we serve, but so have our donors,” said Lt. Col. Randall Polsley, commander of The Salvation Army’s Northern Division.
Polsley says they will serve two and a half million meals and provide toys to more than 11,000 children this year. These services are dependent on the money raised during the holiday. This fund campaign until the end of December provides 70% of the Salvation Army’s income.
“Our greatest concern is the men and women and the boys and girls that we serve. Whether it’s rental assistance, whether it’s food assistance, it’s vital for them,” Polsley said.
Donations are down, but spirits are still high.
In part because of a half-million dollar contribution to the fundraising campaign.
The Twin Cities Salvation Army is receiving a $250,000 grant from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation.
The grant and additional gifts from other donors are hoped to encourage Minnesotans to donate well over $1 million.
The Salvation Army will continue to ring the bell through Christmas Eve.
If you’d like to help, the Twin Cities Salvation Army offers four easy ways to do so:
- Give online by clicking here.
- Donate at a Red Kettle with cash or a digital ‘kettle pay’ option.
- Call the Salvation Army during business hours at 651-746-3491.
- Send a check to The Salvation Army, 2445 Prior Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113
Dirk James
