Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign eclipses $20,000 in Floyd County

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

The holiday season is a time to help others, and Floyd County did just that from Thanksgiving until Christmas.

Starting on Black Friday and ending on the Saturday before Christmas, the Floyd County Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign once again eclipsed $20,000 in monetary donations.

Kathy Crooks, the chairwoman of the Floyd County Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign, said bells were rung in Charles City for a total of 416 hours and more than 200 groups and individuals signed up to lend their time and effort to help raise money for the worthy cause.

The Red Kettle campaign started in 1891 in San Francisco and raised over $142 million in 2018. Floyd County raised over $21,000 in 2018 during its Red Kettle Campaign.

The red kettles were set up at four locations again this year in Charles City – Theisen’s, Hy-Vee, Schueth Ace Hardware and Kmart.

Crooks said red kettles provide the primary source of income for the Salvation Army unit in Floyd County. She said only 10 percent of the total received from the Red Kettle fund is used for expenses. The remaining 90 percent is available for aiding people in crisis and emergency situations and for the support of human needs within the county.

Susan Grant, a board member of the Floyd County Salvation Army, said individuals from all over the county partake in the charitable work. She said several local teachers and their students will ring the bell, as well as city leaders, business owners, members of law enforcement, church groups and various local organizations.

“The people here in town are just wonderful. They do it year after year. Some people call us and say they’d like to do it,” said Grant.

Grant said the local Red Kettle campaign began on Nov. 29 and ended Saturday, Dec. 21.

“We only do Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We added two Wednesday afternoons at Hy-Vee and Theisen’s this year just to make up for a few hours,” said Grant about Thanksgiving being later in the year and reducing the time before Christmas.

Grant and fellow board member Jenny Huegel are a few of the people who help schedule the work hours for the volunteers. Grant said she has helped out with the Red Kettle Campaign in Floyd County the past six years. She said Crooks plays the role of bookkeeper for the Salvation Army unit in Floyd County that is based out of St. John Lutheran Church in Charles City.

Crooks said community members’ generosity makes a big difference in the lives of many individuals and families who may need a helping hand at some point. Crooks said donations are accepted to the Floyd County Salvation Army throughout the year.

“What does this add up to? A community and county that care for the individuals they live with,” said Crooks. “They will never know the number of lives they will have an impact on and it can never be accomplished unless we have the team effort and the love and caring for people that we once again witnessed this Christmas season.”

Donations can be made to the Floyd County Salvation Army by calling 641-228-3397.