The local Salvation Army is over $100,000 short of its goal this year but has faith the community will help them get there by the end of the month.
The Christmas Kettle Campaign is one of the most recognizable fundraisers in Canada with a goal to help residents in local communities in need during the holidays. The Chatham-Kent Salvation Army has raised $349,309 so far but according to Captain Karen Holland, there is still a way to go.
"That leaves us about $150,000 short," Holland said. "It sounds ominous but I am sure we can pull together and bring that up."
Holland said the kettles are doing great, it's the mailouts that are lacking. She added kettles will be out until 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve and cheques can be dropped off at the office by December 31, but must be dated before the new year.
On top of more money, Holland said they still need kettle shifts covered. There are 16 in Chatham-Kent, 12 in Wallaceburg, and one in Ridgetown.
"It doesn't sound like a lot when you consider how many we started off with but if we don't have people to stand out for those shifts then we don't have the kettles out," Holland said. "If anybody has a couple of hours in any of those locations and would like to help us out, we'd really appreciate it."
On a more positive note, Holland said over 800 food hampers were handed out Thursday in the municipality along with 609 toys for children.
Regardless of if the Salvation Army reaches its goal Holland said she still really appreciates the people of Chatham-Kent.
"I would just like the community for their continued support and generosity as always," Holland said.