On behalf of Galesburg Mayor John Pritchard, Deputy Mayor Wayne Allen met with representatives of the local Salvation Army to proclaim today Salvation Army Kettle Campaign Kickoff Day.
With the proclamation, people should expect to see more and more bell ringers outside businesses collecting donations for the cause.
Salvation Army Lt. Brian Bump tells WGIL the event benefits the organization as well as the people they help.
“Having a proclamation such as this helps get the word out saying, ‘hey, we’re out there using this money for the less fortunate in our community,’” Bumps says.
He adds that the Galesburg kettle campaign brings in about $43,000, between Nov. 18 and Christmas Eve. The winter season brings in about $97,000 annually.
Allen says the local Salvation Army deserves the proclamation that kicks off their donation campaign each holiday season.
“I think it’s very important,” Allen says. “The Salvation Army plays an important role in our community by helping people in need and a lot of different ways: Clothing, food. They do a great asset.”
The Salvation Army’s winter fundraising runs from the beginning of November through the end of January. This year mark’s the Galesburg group’s 125th kettle campaign.
