Salvation Army bells start ringing Monday

Bells will start ringing and change will be jingling on Monday when the Linn County Chapter of the Salvation Army kicks off its annual Red Kettle Campaign.

Volunteers will spread across 30 different businesses collecting money for the Salvation Army in an effort that will run from Monday, November 16, all the way through Christmas Eve.

Mindy Kayser, a spokesperson for Salvation Army, said that the group's goal is to raise $640,000 in this year's drive, which is a nine percent increase from last year's goal.

“It's an aggressive goal,” Kayser said. “But we feel that the community that has stood with us through the flood and other difficult times will be there for us again this year.”

Kayser said that the unique challenges some Linn County residents face between recovering from last year's flood and surviving this year's recession has placed an unprecedented call for support from other parts of the community.

She realizes that the current economic climate makes it difficult to give, but said that the upsurge in requests for rent and food assistance from the Salvation Army shows just how imperative success in this year's fundraiser has become.

“Raising this much is a challenge but we're optimistic,” Kayser said. “After all, we're a faith based organization and so we bank a little bit on faith as well.”

Red kettle sites can be found outside of Wal Marts, Walgreens and Hy-Vees throughout Linn County, as well as other sponsors. Potential volunteers can sign on to help by visiting the Salvation Army's website or simply calling their office at (319) 364-9131.