Salvation Army: COVID-19 has changed the Red Kettle Campaign this year

Salvation Army: COVID-19 has changed the Red Kettle Campaign this year

The Salvation Army in Greater Lafayette said it's facing some tough challenges during its Red Kettle campaign.

But serving the community is thankfully not in danger this season, plus the organization is continuing to do the most good by donating toys and coats to local organizations.

In greater lafayette says although it's facing some tough challenges...serving the community is thankfully (not in danger this season.

News 18's marvin bills joins us now to break it all down.

Good morning, marvin.

Good morning, marlee.

The salvation army knew it would have a hard time gathering volunteers to ring the bell that we are used to hearing outside of stores this time of year for its red kettle campaign.

However, lieutenant rachel johnson says adding a virtual option alleviated the fear of donations suffering this year.

As we've previously reported the campaign kicked off in november.

Lieutenant johnson says while there has been less workers, the organization altogether has raised nearly $100,000 dollars already and most of is due to virtual donations.

Johnson says the decrease in workers stems from the world of covid-19 and many of the organizations normal workers decided to opt out this year.

She also adds many people have been bringing donations to the salvation army's office in lafayette.

The salvation army says it's expecting an increase in clientele in the year 2021.

"the lafayette community has been extremely, extremely generous to us this year which proves to us that people trust us with their donations, people trust us with their financial contributions."

Johnson says people may still catch bell ringers outside of different establishments.

The salvation army is also preparing to gift toys and coats to local organizations in the county.

Lieutenant rachel johnson says the salvation army typically has left over toys and coats after its annual distribution.

She says the organization is working to donate the extras to children in places such as the boys & girls club, franciscan health, iu health arnett and more.

Johnson says none of this is possible without the community's help.

"we work to get it out to people who are in need.

We are very thankful and we want to continue doing things that show the community that you can trust the salvation army with whatever you give us, money, coats, books, we will find a place for those things."

Johnson says they hope to have any extras donated before christmas.

You still have time to make a contribution toward the red kettle campaign.

The last day is wednesday end of day for both virtual and physical donations.

You can find a link to donate virtually linked to this story on our website wlfi dot com.

In studio this, marvin bills, news 18.