Salvation Army running behind in Red Kettle campaign

The Cape Girardeau Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign is feeling the effects of the winter storm that slammed into the area Friday and Saturday.

"We're currently at 34 percent of our goal," said Capt. Ronnie Amick of the Cape Girardeau Salvation Army. "Last weekend's weather hurt us to the tune of $20,000 to $30,000. It was supposed to be a big weekend for volunteers to help, but about 95 percent of them had to cancel."

A shortened bell-ringing schedule for this year also was cited by Amick as a factor in the Salvation Army lagging in its goal.

"We have six days less in which to do bell ringing," he said. "It's just the way things fell this year. Also, we can only ring in front of stores for so many days."

The need for assistance in the community continues to rise, Amick said, and plans for a new volunteer weekend are being discussed.

"We're also thinking of having a Match Day where we'll contact local businesses to see if they'll match amounts in the kettles. Maybe that will raise our totals."

Amick said the Red Kettle campaign ends Dec. 24 and volunteers for bell ringing are needed. To volunteer, call the Cape Girardeau Salvation Army at 335-7000 or visit its offices at 701 Good Hope St.

Pertinent address: 701 Good Hope St., Cape Girardeau, MO