Around the nation, red kettles have been stationed outside of countless stores and malls since November 18th, but this campaign is just the start of the Salvation Army’s efforts to help the less fortunate.

Though the organization provides aid in many forms to needy individuals and families throughout the year, the need increases considerably with the arrival of winter weather. The Red Kettle Campaign is the Salvation Army’s major fundraiser. In 2005, the organization’s goal is to reach $300,000 dollars in fundraising. Major Turner, supervisor of the Champaign branch of the Salvation Army, said that monetary donations are always needed, and usually increase during the holiday season. “Actually, about one-third of donations we receive come in around the holidays” he added.

The Salvation Army runs a thrift store, a men’s shelter, a food pantry and a social services office in Champaign to provide help in any form needed. “Most people don’t realize that the men’s shelter is located above our thrift store,” said Turner. “We are equipped to hold 48 men per night, but when temperatures dip below freezing we won’t turn anyone away.”

The shelter is run on income from the thrift store, which is stocked with donations of clothing, toys and household items. The Salvation Army is also setting up a toyshop. Donations will be accepted the week of December 12-19. On the 22nd, parents will be able to choose gifts to give their children at Christmas, as well as food vouchers.

The local social services office of the Salvation Army also provides essential services to the less fortunate year-round. “As the weather grows colder, there is always greater demand for assistance,” said Turner. Rising gas prices due to Hurricane Katrina have hit low-income families hardest, he added. “When someone needs gas to get to work, the first area that is squeezed is their food budget.”

In addition to local families, Champaign-Urbana is still the temporary home for about 300 of the 450 victims of Hurricane Katrina who relocated after their homes and cities were destroyed. Turner was confident in the Salvation Army’s ability to help this group in their time of need, but did admit that there has been a real need for food and other services. “These people need jobs and homes for their families, and we’re working hard to ensure they can get those things,” he stated.

The Champaign-Urbana community has already been extremely supportive of the Salvation Army’s efforts to help its less fortunate. After Hurricane Katrina, the organization asked for donations of household items. “We received such an influx of items, which were placed into our thrift store,” Turner said. Monetary donations were also gratefully received, and given to the evacuees to purchase other items at local stores.

The Salvation Army’s coat drive, held in November, was a success, and no further donations of winter coats should be necessary this season. “Our food drive held in cooperation with Country Market Foods also provided us with enough food for December, but we need to restock in time for January and February,” he added.

“Very often people forget about January and February,” Turner said. “And those months can be just as difficult for low or fixed income individuals and families, especially with rising heating costs.”

“Our biggest need right now probably lies in monetary donations,” said Turner. “Whether residents choose to contribute through the Red Kettle Campaign or by making a personal donation, we can put those funds to use in many areas of need.”