By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — You may have seen some national reports that the Salvation Army is starting their Red Kettle Campaign early this year.
"We are not fundraising early locally in Reno County," said Paul James with the Salvation Army. " We are currently in the United Way's fundraising window that helps to raise close to $100,000 for the Salvation Army. Those funds are what has made it possible to help so many in need due to Covid 19. During the pandemic we’ve been working closely with The United Way to help impact lives in a positive way."
Lisa Gleason with the United Way said the groups they help try to clear the way so that the United Way can do a focus on fundraising in the fall.
"We fund 24 organizations with 40 plus programs here in Reno County," Gleason said. "We don't charge them a dime. Our goal is to raise those funds so that they can concentrate more on their good work and not have to worry so much about fundraising."
The main thrust of the annual campaign is this month and next.
"We are so grateful to our community and our businesses who allow us to be able to tell our story and be able to get into those businesses to be in front of their employees and certainly allow anybody to get to be charitable in a manner that works for their budget."
The United Way raised $1,246,449 in its annual campaign last year.