Kettle Donations Continue to Decline

TYLER — As of December 1st, bells are ringing at over 35 locations around Smith County. Unfortunately, two weeks into bell ringing, in comparison to last year, kettle donations are down $6,000. In a news release, the Tyler Salvation Army says the funds raised during the holidays make up approximately 25% of the organization’s yearly budget. This year, donors have the opportunity to double the impact they make on the community by matching kettle donations dollar for dollar. Anyone who chooses can select the date and location of the kettle he or she would like to match. By matching, the Salvation Army’s fundraising goal can be reached must faster, thereby helping more people, according to the news release.

Salvation Army officials say the organization is pleading with the community to reach deep in their hearts and their pockets to ensure that the Salvation Army is able to help the many people who enter its doors each day. With only three weeks left in the bell ringing season, an urgent plea is being made to the community, according to the news release. In addition, the online red kettle is available. You can go to http://www.onlineredkettle.org/tylertexascorps to use that method. For more information on Kettle Matching, contact Cindy Bell at 903-592-4361. Go to http://www.ringbells.org to sign up to ring a bell.