NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Heading into Day 10 of their 12 days of ringing on Thursday, the Salvation Army in Hutchinson could still use a little more support, as they started that day a little under $11,000 from their kettle goal and a little less than halfway to their overall Christmas Campaign goal of $350,000.
"The majority of our funds come during this season," said Major Paul James. "It's kind of the season of giving. A lot of organizations and groups are raising money during this time of year. It's an important time of year that we raise the bulk of our money to operate, just keeping our lights on, keeping the staff paid that do the service."
The Salvation Army is most likely helping at least one of your neighbors.
"It was around 12 percent of the population of Reno County, even, that we serve," James said. "I never really thought about it. I just saw the number. I'm like, we serve thousands of people. Then you realize, oh, that's a lot of our population that we're helping out. We're grateful to be able to do that, but it really just depends on the support that we get from the community."
The amount of need they were able to meet at their distribution day earlier this week was large.
"We provided toys for 154 children," James said. "We had quite a few families that came in the next day that just didn't make it on to the registration. We kind of did a last minute for that. For food, I know it was over 800 families for food baskets, as well."
The Salvation Army office at 700 North Walnut will be open from 9 a.m. to noon the Tuesday through Friday after Christmas if you want to bring in an end of year gift.
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