The Springfield Corps has struggled over the past few years to meet its goals, revealing a downward trend in Red Kettle fundraising. In 2015, the goal was $135,000, but the corps only raised $130,000.
RELATED: Springfield family receives Christmas Eve surprise from community
“We thought we’d be able to do $130,000 again but we’re sliding,” Caldwell. “Each year we set our goals less.”
The goal for 2016 was set at $130,000.
Although the national Salvation Army organization doesn’t have a number for 2016 yet, 2015 was a record-setting year when the nonprofit brought in $150 million, according to representatives at the organization’s headquarters.
For Springfield, however, fundraising has been more of a struggle in recent years.
The Red Kettle Campaign provides funding for most of the operations of the Springfield Corps. So if that campaign fails to raise enough, local Salvation Army programs and services will likely be affected.
That includes paying for services such as a Christmas toy giveaway, the community center at 15 S. Plum St., after-school programs, food pantries, parenting classes, disaster responses and more. The Salvation Army is the single-largest provider of social services of its kind in the United States, according to its website.
READ MORE: Springfield Secret Santa drops $1K gold coin in red kettle
“I hate to say it, but we’re seeing less at the (Upper Valley) mall,” Caldwell said. “I don’t know if it’s because of foot traffic.”
Several anchor stores have closed at the Upper Valley Mall in recent years, including Elder Beerman, Macy’s and J.C. Penney, as well as smaller national retailers like Old Navy and American Eagle.
Caldwell hopes that when the proposed Kroger Marketplace is built along Ohio 72 in Springfield Twp., it will bring in more donations to the Springfield Corps.
“Kroger is a huge supporter of the Salvation Army,” he said.
Many factors can affect giving during a given season, Caldwell said, including weekend snowstorms or even the length of the fundraiser.
“We’re actually going to be pushing the campaign back a week this year,” he said. “It usually starts Nov. 1. The goal is to keep pushing it back a week until it starts at Thanksgiving. We don’t want to tire the community out.”
About the Author