Another thing for which I am grateful...

Today I spoke with Sergeant Major Alan Fones of the St. Cloud Salvation Army. We discussed what the Salvation Army does, and how it is funded. It's a remarkable organization (present in the St. Cloud area since 1896) that provides (just in the St. Cloud area) over 100 meals per day, and provides, if my memory serves me correct, 50 beds a night in emergency shelter for persons and families in the St. Cloud area. They also help with heating bills and rental assistance when funds are available.

Major Fones remarked that a high percentage of those individuals with families that they serve are actually gainfully employed, although they either don't earn enough, or they are going through other rough times (i.e., home foreclosure, unexpected medical expenses, etc.,).

Major Fones also stated that 70% of the cost of their programs, amounting to around $1,000,000 per year in capital expenses (only a very small portion of that goes to a paid skeletal staff--the remainder are volunteers), coupled with another million-and-a-half in donated food and clothing by area businesses and citizens, is locally generated, and that fully a third of their operating budget is generated by their volunteer Christmas Kettle bellringers. Another 30% of their funding comes from United Way and government grants.

After having visited their facility (they will be getting a new one, soon), I can say without reservation that these are dedicated, selfless people with a genuine driven mission to help others that may otherwise be marginalized in our society. They are truly a worthy charity.

As I said, The local Salvation Army counts on Kettle contributions for one-third of their operating expenses. This translates into a goal of $300,000 in loose bills and coins, just for the St. Cloud area.

So when you pass a Salvation Army Kettle this Christmas Season, please take the time to put in what you can. The stuff that folds is nice, too, and please give early and often. I can assure you that it is for a worthy cause.

And, if you feel so inclined, please click on my "personal kettle" on the upper-left hand corner of this blog. Your donation will go to the national and regional Salvation Army offices. These funds are then dispersed to local chapters in the form of insurance, legal aid, and other overhead expenses, which Major Fones stated are likewise indispensible in their mission.

P.S.S. When I wrote this post, I was unaware as to exactly how much the local Salvation Army counts on Kettle Collections; and even with Target Store's current program to collect "gift cards" for the National Salvation Army, this does little to nothing to actually help with the operating expenses of local Chapters. I would ask, if you are so inclined, to write a letter to Target to voice your displeasure with their decision to ban Kettle-ringers from their stores, and to once again honor their stated mission of being involved in their local communities. It costs Target nothing to allow this, and the benefits are inestimable.

They are conveniently located in Minnesota. You could probably call their offices tomorrow at (612) 696-3400.

Thanks.

(Filed under Good Works)