NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As the 12 Days of Ringing began Wednesday for the Hutchinson Salvation Army, they needed quite a bit of assistance to reach their goal.
"We always do a 12 Days of Ringing in honor of the 12 days of Christmas," said Major Paul James. "We have $42,304.46 left to reach the goal. I think we were close to that a couple of years ago with down the stretch, which is a little bit nerve wracking because that means we need to raise about $3,500 each day. We've been averaging about $2,400 each day. We'll definitely need some extra support down the stretch."
In addition, they have an even bigger need for their overall goal.
"Our overall goal is $355,000," James said. "We're currently about $100,000, which is probably a little bit sort of on pace, but behind. We're probably about $10,000 behind pace where we've been the last couple of years. Last year, I think we were behind about $10,000 as well."
The need continues to be great in the Hutchinson area.
"We have 900 families that are registered for food baskets, but 1100 kids that are signed up for toys," James said. "That's a hundred more kids than last year. Larger families is kind of the, I think the difference between that, but definitely a lot of families that are in need this time of year. We help families throughout the year, whether it's rent and utility assistance, whether it's showers for the unhoused and many other things that we do throughout the year to help our community. The Salvation Army has been in the community for 131 years, helping people in need."
There were 92 $20 donations given toward the match last Saturday, and there will be another $20 match day this Saturday where donors can double their contribution.