With December about to start up, so will an annual fundraiser for one organization in Greene County.

Pastor Dan Cunningham is one of the co-organizers of the Salvation Army of Greene County with the Red Kettle Drive. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio they will have their red kettles at the entrances of Fareway and Hy-Vee in Jefferson this month, and there will be bell ringers on-hand on Fridays and Saturdays at Fareway and Saturdays and Sundays at Hy-Vee from 10am-6pm. 

Pastor Cunningham points out the kettles will remain at each grocery store throughout the week, along with countertop kettles are various businesses across the community. Additionally, Cunningham explains that there is another way people can donate to their cause that is part of their Red Kettle Drive.

“If they don’t have any cash with them, they can just take a picture of the QR Code and they can give that way. And we’ll have posters around town at various locations that will have the QR Code on it as well, so they can give through the QR Code.” 

Cunningham states that the money they raise goes back to less fortunate individuals and families that struggle financially and may need something as small as not being able to afford a replacement vehicle part, to larger expenses like paying a utility bill. He describes that even the money they make during the holiday season doesn’t support the growing need in the county.

“The last two years, we’ve had to do a Christmas in July because we’ve run out of funds by July 1st, and we want to make sure we have enough to make it through the summer to get to our kettle drive in the December.”

Cunningham says last year, they collected $6,500, whereas the previous year, they raised $7,500. He adds that this year’s goal is $10,000, which includes the $2,000 that was made from their Christmas in July promotion. He expresses his appreciation to the community for always helping out those less fortunate during this time of year.