Salvation Army in Wheeling Closes In On Holiday Goal | News, Sports, Jobs

WHEELING — With just eight days to go in this “red kettle” season, The Salvation Army in Wheeling is close to meeting its $70,000 fundraising goal.

So far $61,230 has been raised — representing 87% of the target.

“Bells will continue to ring for eight more days, (through Wednesday, Dec. 22) and there is still time to give,” said Ashlie Kotson, community relations director for the Salvation Army of Wheeling.

On Saturday, members of the Wheeling police and fire departments and the Ohio County Sheriff’s Department will compete in a “The Battle of The Badges” to raise money for The Salvation Army.

Between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, the first responders will man local kettles and seek to raise more dollars than their competitors.

The police officers will be at Kroger on Mount De Chantal Road, the firefighters at Riesbeck’s in Wheeling, and the deputies at Walmart and Cabela’s at The Highlands.

Kotson said each department has decorated their kettles, and the winning department will receive a trophy from The Salvation Army. They will keep the trophy until the next holiday season, and The Salvation Army plans to turn this into a yearly event.

And donations raised are expected to be put to good use, as The Salvation Army anticipates it will surpass this year the level of assistance they provided in 2020.

Last year, the Salvation Army’s Case Work office provided food, utility, and clothing assistance to approximately 7,000 people. The Salvation Army provided lodging to 1,200 men in its emergency shelter, and assisted 200 individuals with their warming shelter during the winter months.

The Salvation Army provided Thanksgiving meals to 731 people this year, and expects to provide Christmas meals to 750 people.

Mark VanMeter, captain of The Salvation Army said, “The Red Kettle Campaign is on track to be a huge success this year. With the help of our Red Kettle Campaign Chair, Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration, we have reached further into the community and made significant strides in meeting our goal.”

Angel Tree and Christmas food distribution will begin Monday. Capt. Jennifer Van Meter wants to thank all of those in the community who showed such a huge amount of generosity this Christmas season, Kotson said.