The Salvation Army red kettles are a common sight in December, but the Des Moines Salvation Army is pulling them out again in July. Major Keith Petrie says they’ll run their “Need Knows No Season” campaign from July 10th to the 15th to try and raise some extra funds. Petrie says the requests for help haven’t stopped as the Christmas holiday passed.
Petrie says people lose sight of the needs of people in our communities that aren’t as fortunate. Petrie says asking people to give during the summer is different than December when giving is stressed during the holidays. But, he says the need is still there. Petrie says during the winter you want people to keep warm, and during the summer you want people to be able to stay cool and in their homes. Petrie says his counterparts in other areas of the state also find their funds running low.
Petrie says it’s not just the Salvation Army, but other organizations as well. Petrie says all groups are facing the same shortage of monies this time of year to help as much as they would like. Petrie hopes people will understand there’s always a need out there. He says, “Anybody can be down and out. You never know when you might need help.” Petrie says the Salvation Army and other organizations are there to help.
Petrie says they hope to raise 25-thousand dollars in this summer kettle campaign. Petrie says anyone can help by donating money, or by donating time. He says you can find out how to help by calling your local Salvation Army.