Lubbock Salvation Army far surpassed their increased goal of $250,000 in the annual Red Kettle Bell fundraiser.
Community Outreach Director Kaitlyn Fredrick told everythinglubbock.com that the organization needs community support all year round, but the outpouring of support during the holidays was encouraging.
“It brings a smile to anyone’s face that gets to be involved with this program because we hit our goal, and we were able to make what we needed to.”
Frederick also said that what a lot of people don’t realize is how high the stakes are during the fundraiser, and that every penny raised stays local.
“Every time you see a red kettle in front of a store and you see someone ringing a bell and it’s Christmas time, what many people don’t know is that it’s our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Fredrick said, “Every dollar given in Lubbock stays in Lubbock, that doesn’t get distributed nationally, that doesn’t go to other places, it really does help us fund our programs all year long here.”
Some of the money will fund the 150,000 meals the charity provides each year, and some will go toward new outreach programs planned for 2017, including a new transitional housing facility and a partnership with Texas Tech University student organizations.
Frederick said the most important thing residents of Lubbock should know is that you don’t have to wait for Christmas to show your support.
“We always say you can give your time, your treasure, or your talent…there are several ways people can get involved.”
The Salvation Army is looking forward to putting the resources raised over the last few months to good use, in order to reach a growing community.
“We know that it’s not the easiest time to give, or to open up your own heart and your own wallet…when you really just want to give to your own family and have such a burden to make the holidays work for everyone,” Frederick said, “So we’re just extremely thankful for everybody who was able to help out this year.”
