The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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  • A Salvation Army red kettle stands in front of Kmart Monday, Dec. 10, 2012. (Staff Photo by BILLY HEFTON)

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December 20, 2012

Salvation Army $50,000 behind on fundraising goal

Enid News and Eagle

ENID, Okla. — Salvation Army needs your help.

That’s a pretty simple statement, but it’s an important one.

Salvation Army has set a goal of raising $180,000 during the Christmas season through the traditional red kettles, mail solicitation and unsolicited donations. So far, Salvation Army is almost $50,000 behind its goal.

That’s not good, since the Christmas fundraising is a substantial part of Salvation Army’s annual budget of $500,000.

Maj. John Dancer said the money raised during the holiday season is expected to last into March or April. The money also helps keep food in the pantry and the soup kitchen through the winter, and pay the utility bills for the shelter.

The biggest deficit is in unsolicited donations — money donated directly to Salvation Army, usually by mail.

Unsolicited donations accounted for $40,000 in December fundraising last year. This year, less than $10,000 has been mailed in.

While donations are down, the need for Salvation Army’s services continues.

If the fundraising goal is not met, Salvation Army could be forced to layoff some paid staff, or possibly cutting back soup kitchen services, where hungry locals in need currently receive supper seven days a week, plus lunch on Sunday.

It’s not too late, though, to help.

The community can help keep the food pantry and soup kitchen operating by donating non-perishable foods at 516 N. Independence.

Monetary donations can be made at any of the red kettles, which will be out at local retailers until close of business on Christmas Eve. Checks also can be made out to Salvation Army and mailed to P.O. Box 708, Enid OK 73702.

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