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Red kettle campaign shortfall will hurt

JANESVILLE — Almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.

This year’s Salvation Army red kettle campaign is at 94 percent of its stated goal of $300,000, according to a news release.

That sounds pretty good until you consider the remaining 6 percent amounts to about $18,000.

That kind of money could cover the cost of hundreds of meals for the working poor and homeless or it could provide transitional housing for people working their way out of poverty, bus tokens for people to get to work or doctor’s appointments or items for the food pantry.

Or it could be used to run the community center and summer camps for low-income kids.

In other words, it’s a lot of money, and Janesville Salvation Army Capt. Kirk E. Schuetz hopes post-Christmas donations will make up for the shortfall.

“In fiscal year 2009, the use of the food pantry increased 40 percent,” Schuetz said. “Case work has increased 50 percent.”

Casework involves referrals, bus tokens, housing needs and other needs.

The Salvation Army raises about 40 percent of its annual cash budget during the holidays, so donations now are particularity important.

“We do appreciate all the help we’ve received from donors, volunteers and merchants,” Schuetz said.

The Salvation Army is also offering people a variety of ways to give.

Of course, donations can still be mailed to 514 Sutherland Ave., Janesville, WI, 53545.

Cell phone users can donate $5 by texting the word “bell” to 52000. Those donations are routed by the phone’s area code and telephone exchange—the next three digits.

Finally, you can give on-line at the website www.janesvilleSA.org.