Salvation Army branches in Northern Wisconsin were anticipating a lower haul than usual this year from their annual Red Kettle campaign.
That’s because the COVID-19 pandemic kept many volunteer bell ringers and possible donors in their homes, instead of at stores and shopping malls.
But one Salvation Army branch did better than workers expected.
The Minocqua Salvation Army raised nearly $37,000, meeting its goal and staying on par with previous years.
Amanda Jahn, a Salvation Army service representative for the area, said one reason the Minocqua Salvation Army did so well is because of a $9,000 donation from Rondele Ranch.
“That’s what helped big time to meet that or they would have been behind as well,” she said.
Because of this donation, Jahn said the Minocqua Salvation Army is equipped to meet the needs of the community.
But other areas aren’t as lucky.
Rhinelander, for example, is about $10,000 short of its $50,000 goal.
That could be a problem in a year when many people are in need of extra support.
“To be able to help everybody that needs help," Jahn said, "it’s probably going to be a lesser amount than normal.”
Jahn said money from the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign will be used to help local community members pay for things like rent, utilities and car repairs.
