The Salvation Army of Savannah (TSA) is running behind on its annual Red Kettle Campaign fundraising goal of $300,000 and needs donations and volunteers to help “Rescue Christmas” by signing up through their new online volunteer platform. One local business, Lesley Francis Public Relations (LFPR), stepped up to the plate to merrily ring the bell for this beloved nonprofit at Kroger in Richmond Hill.
The LFPR staff: Lesley Francis, Hollie Barnidge, Kristyn Fielding, Crystal Vogel, and Allie Robinson took shifts for an entire day of ringing and encouraged people to give what they could to ensure TSA could put food on the table, pay bills, provide shelter and help place gifts under the tree for the most vulnerable in our community. An anonymous donor pledged to match the funds LFPR raised at the kettle, and LFPR was able to raise $472.85 for a total of $945.70.
The funds raised through the organization’s holiday fundraiser are at risk this year due to COVID-19 while requests for services are at an all-time high. There are 26 kettles throughout the Lowcountry this year until Christmas Eve, which have been up significantly less time this year due to the closing of retail stores and the decline in foot traffic. This limits TSA’s capability to provide desperately needed food and lodging to people in need in our region year-round.
Those who are interested in helping, but cannot donate directly to the red kettles around the region are also welcomed to donate via the online giving platform at www.RedKettleSAV.givesmart.com or by texting “RedKettleSAV” to 76278. Every donation provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay within the greater Savannah community.
Volunteer opportunities are still available. If individuals, groups or businesses are interested in volunteering, they can use the user-friendly website to register and select their time and location at www.registertoring.com. Volunteers are required now more than ever to ring for their community and to rescue Christmas for those who are in desperate need of help and hope. One hour of bell ringing can provide a meal for a family of four, and an entire day of ringing (8 hours) can provide lodging for a family of four for one month.
“We were honored to ring the bell for The Salvation Army and support all the good work they do in our community,” said Francis. “This year has been extremely difficult for families emotionally, financially, and spiritually, and The Salvation Army needs to be there to provide them with the support and help they need. We encourage other businesses, civic groups, and individuals to either volunteer to ring the bell or give whatever they can to this amazing organization who lends helping hands to so many.”
The Salvation Army has served greater Savannah for the past 120 years and has always supported the most vulnerable in our community. Whether the community is affected by COVID-19, hurricanes, floods, fires or the Spanish influenza that impacted the world over a century ago, The Salvation Army continues to serve those who need it the most. For more information about TSA, please visit www.salvationarmygeorgia.org/savannah/ or call 912-200-3004.