“We had less people coming by the bells, but we also had some of our bell ringers (not be able make their shifts) and we had a smaller pool of bell ringers,” he said.
This year, bell ringers are being hired at $8 an hour.
Grindrod pointed out the new strategy will provide a bigger pool of bell ringers and will also help out people who need money during the holiday season. Response has been very positive, he said.
“We’re well on our way to getting our numbers,” Grindrod said.
The Salvation Army officially kicks off its 2014 Red Kettle Campaign with its annual Season of Giving Luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday at the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Springfield.
The goal is to increase donations, which totaled $132,457 last season — down $20,000 to $30,000 from typical amounts, Grindrod said.
“We believe that this year, we’re going to be better prepared for the season, no matter what it holds,” he said.
But he also stressed the organization will still need some volunteer bell ringers, and he’s encouraging individuals and organizations to participate.
The money from the Red Kettle Campaign supports the year-long programs of the local Salvation Army. One of the largest categories, Grindrod said, is social services, which includes utilities assistance, housing, addiction treatment, the organization’s food pantry, youth programs and the Hand-In-Hand Program (which serves seniors and people with disabilities).
During the 2013 Christmas season, the Salvation Army Springfield Corps provided gifts and food for 2,000 children and 1,000 families.
“When you support the Salvation Army through the Red Kettle Campaign, these funds are being used to help keep those programs going,” Grindrod said. He added that the campaign — and its annual concert and awareness fund-raiser in the spring — constitute a “fairly sizable” portion of the annual budget.
“We really appreciate the generosity of Springfield and Clark County,” Grindrod said. “We are so thankful for the incredible generosity of our community that partners with us and helps us accomplish our mission year round.”
Over 200 people are expected to attend the Red Kettle Campaign and Season of Giving Luncheon. The featured speaker will be Major Tom Duperree from the Salvation Army of Dayton. The invitation event will also include music performed by the Springfield Kiwanis Club Band, a video presentation about Salvation Army programs and table competitions to raise funds. Various community organizations and businesses will also have information tables.
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