Red kettles collect $112,000+

The Salvation Army has met its local Red Kettle Campaign goal, thanks to the generous donations of people in St. Croix County.

Duana Bremer, executive director of the Salvation Army of St. Croix County, said more than $112,000 was raised during this year’s Red Kettle Campaign. The organization set a goal of reaching $110,000 this year — $10,000 higher than last year — due to the increasing demand of its services.

All of the money collected in the kettles is used to support local programs and transitional housing units located throughout the region.

“Because of the hard work and support provided by our community we will be able to provide vital services to families and individuals in our community,” Bremer said.

The Salvation Army supports programs including emergency assistance for rent, utilities, transportation, dental services and medication. In addition, funds are used to provide milk coupons to all food pantries in the county. Milk coupons provide a gallon of milk to individuals and families who seek assistance at local food pantries.

“Last year we purchased over 7,200 gallons of milk,” Bremer said.

The funds raised during the campaign will also be used for the Happy Kids Backpack program and Grace Place, a shelter in Somerset, Bremer said.

The Happy Kids Backpack Program helps to ensure local students enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program will have enough food to eat while they’re not in school.

“The backpacks are delivered to the schools every Friday,” Bremer said. “With the help of many volunteers we are packing 140 backpacks each week.”

At Grace Place, 154 individuals were provided shelter last year. The emergency shelter can house 24 individuals or eight families at any given time.

“Through the efforts of so many hard working volunteers we are able to provide the needed services to help those less fortunate in our community,” Bremer said.

While the overall goal has been met, Bremer said the kettle campaign will continue through Dec. 31.

Anyone looking for a bell-ringing shift is encouraged to call 715-485-1221 or go to ringbells.org to sign up for a convenient time.

Tags: st croix county, news, wisconsin