Times-Union
Staff Report
WARSAW — With just ten days until Christmas, The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle fundraising campaigns in Kosciusko and Whitley counties are getting helping hands from local anonymous donors.
On Friday and Saturday, these “Angel donors” will double donations made to Red Kettles in each county up to $5,000. If both counties meet their match challenge a total of $10,000 will be given to The Salvation Army to help continue local ministries in 2023, according to a news release from The Salvation Army.
The $5,000 match in Kosciusko County has been made possible by a local couple who are long time supporters of The Salvation Army. While the donors may be a mystery, the impact of their gift is not. If holiday shoppers increase their giving just a little, the goal of raising $5,000 in only two days is attainable, stated the release. Once doubled, the grand total of $10,000 would help to fund weeks of services to the community in 2023. From keeping the food pantry stocked to providing funds for emergency financial assistance, these donations are used throughout the year to help Kosciusko County residents make it through times when they are struggling to keep a roof over their heads or feed their families.
“We truly appreciate this gift,” said Envoy Ken Locke of The Salvation Army of Kosciusko County. “When a donor challenges people to give we definitely see our neighbors step up to the challenge. With this gift – and all the donations inspired by it – The Salvation Army can make a real impact in the lives of people in need. Every dollar in the kettle represents hope for another person who is just looking for a hand up in this world.”
Whitley County’s $5,000 match comes from a local church that wants to give back through The Salvation Army. By staying anonymous they are hoping that the focus stays on the ministries of The Salvation Army and the people who depend on them for help throughout the year.
“This weekend’s match is a true blessing,” said Christine Scroggs of The Salvation Army of Whitley County. “With the monies that we raise, the match of up to $5,000 will help us immensely. Those funds would provide 165 pairs of shoes for kids in the 2023-24 school year. All the funds that we receive will be used to help families in our county with things such as food, utility assistance, clothing, furniture, and more. Thank you to our donors and our bell ringers for helping us not just this weekend for the match, but this Christmas season as a whole!”
