Salvation Army Kettle Campaign helps over 6,500 families this holiday season

Despite the challenges and hardships many families experienced over the holidays, the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign was there to make a major impact.

The campaign raised just over $250,000 and expects to reach nearly $300,000 after a few more fundraisers over the next few weeks.

The funds will go towards helping more than 6,500 families.

Judy Regamey, director of family services with the Salvation Army, said the number of families in need of assistance has skyrocketed in the last two years since the pandemic began.

“Last year was around the 6,000 mark,” Regamey confirmed.

“Normally, we assist people that are under a certain income level. The last two years we’ve just said, ‘Anybody that needs help, just come,’ and that’s what’s increased the numbers.”

Regamey said there are many families that are unsure about needing extra help but don’t want to come forward. This year, more families made that leap.

“That makes us feel real good. (Helping) people who are working and trying to make ends meet, and just being able to give a little bit of help, it’s very satisfying for us,” she said.

The Kettle Campaign had a target set out at $350,000. While the campaign will fall just short of that goal, Regamey said it shows a lot about community members who gave donations, even when it might have been a hard decision.

“People are so generous. Even if they don’t have hundreds of thousands of dollars in the bank, they give anyway. They give what they have, and that’s really exciting,” Regamey said.

The Salvation Army will continue to make a difference year-round and is already looking ahead to more projects in the upcoming months.

There is a backpack program that helps assist with school supplies and different day camps in the summer that are available at minimal costs to families.

“We are always looking for practical ways where we can give that little extra help,” Regamey said.