Bend area’s Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign struggling

You may have seen some people ringing bells and soliciting spare change throughout Deschutes County. It’s probably because of the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign.

Donations will go toward buying gifts for more than 2,300 children in the area, which is double the number from last year. Money raised also helps the Salvation Army sustain its operation throughout the entire year.

The goal is to collect $115,000 by Christmas. Officials told NewsChannel 21 on Monday they haven’t even hit the halfway mark. If the Salvation Army cannot reach its goal, officials say they might have to cut programs.

“If we have to go buy toys because we don’t have enough, that creates another financial burden that we’re going to have to figure out for the rest of the year,” said Capt. Michael Johnson of the Deschutes County Salvation Army. “We don’t want any family to go without, so we’ll figure out a way to do it.”

Johnson said he isn’t worried yet, because the community always seems to step up. But he said the Salvation Army could use your help.

One donor said he received a special gift recently, so he knows the importance of giving to those in need.

“I had a liver transplant, and I’m healthy as a hog right now,” Steve Schneringer said. “I just would like to spread the good cheer. What goes around comes around.”

You can make a Red Kettle donation at various stores around the area until Christmas Eve, or drop off an unwrapped gift at the Salvation Army in Bend before Dec. 22.

You can find out more about how to help in the related story on this page.