Fundraising success depends on community volunteers

For Star Journal.
As hunting season and holidays approach, the Rhinelander Salvation Army is gearing up for the 2015 Bell Ringing season. “The red kettles continue to be the primary source of funding for emergency assistance that is provided to area residents. Volunteer Bell Ringers are vital to our continued ability to help families in their time of need,” said Kim Swisher, 2015 Kettle Campaign Coordinator.

The Rhinelander Salvation Army serves area residents by providing emergency assistance with housing, transportation and medical needs. Housing assistance may include temporary shelter at Frederick Place, and emergency utility and rent assistance. Transportation assistance may include gas cards or assistance with repairs. Medical assistance frequently includes help with life-saving prescription medications. For every $1 donated, $.86 stays here; the remaining $.14 supports state and national emergency efforts.

Through donations $25,860.51 was raised last year, short of the $30,000 goal which was based on the need seen in the community. The donations we received in 2014 allowed us to provide emergency assistance to 355 adults and children.
The Rhinelander Salvation Army has partnered with Rhinelander ACES (Area Churches for Emergency Services) to use contributions in an even more efficient and effective manner.

Recognizing the increased need, eight churches have come together to work with the Rhinelander Salvation Army to create a unified effort to serve our community. ACES includes Calvary Baptist, First Congregational UCC, First United Methodist, Grace Foursquare, Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Nativity of Our Lord, North Country Vineyard Church and Trinity Lutheran.
The 2015 fundraising goal is $30,000. Swisher says to meet this goal, they are asking everyone in the community to volunteer 90 minutes to ring the bell at Shopko, Trigs or Walmart. Volunteers who would like to ring at Trig’s and Walmart may go online to reserve a shift convenient for them at http://oneidawi.volunteerfirst.org. Volunteers who would like to ring at Shopko may call Jan Leschke at 715-362-7157.

Bell Ringing begins on Friday, November 20th, at Shopko and Trig’s, and on Friday, November 27th at Walmart. Bell Ringing continues through Christmas Eve.

Anyone wishing to make donation may send a check to the Rhinelander Salvation, PO Box 1081, Rhinelander 54501. Donations may also be made securely online at www.onlineredkettle.org/rhinelander.