Red Kettle Campaign Starts in Cedar Rapids

Tools

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Nov 16, 2009 at 6:31 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 23, 2009 at 1:33 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - The holidays are getting closer and now the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign is up and running in Cedar Rapids.

This year has been a tough year for the community with job losses and flood recovery, but tough times are when the Salvation Army shines.

"We have served more people in this last year than ever in our history," said Lt. Michael Sjogren, Salvation Army.

The fundraising goal is up 9 percent this year to $640,000. That money makes up nearly half of the organization's annual operating budget. Lt. Michael Sjogren says between the economy and continual flood recovery, their role in the community is growing.

"A lot of gaps that aren't being met through other means. So we look to meet some of those gaps," said Sjogren.

One of the ways they help bridge gaps is through volunteers. On Monday, they've launched a new website to help make it the one stop shop of giving, both money, and your time. http://www.tsacedarrapids.org

With the holiday season coming up, many will be looking to help. The Salvation Army has several programs aimed at helping the community. For instance, 1,500 area households received a Christmas food box last year. Lt. Sjogren says people shouldn't be bashful about asking for help.

"We want to make them feel comfortable. We want to let them know it's okay to ask when there is a need," said Sjogren.

A need that this organization will help to meet, one red kettle at at time.

Next Article Most Cedar Rapids Police Cars Missing Dash Cameras During Upgrade

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.