Cold Weather Takes Toll On Salvation Army Kettles

As if a slow economy is not already taking a toll on the Brainerd Lakes Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle Campaign, now the unseasonably cold weather is further complicating the fundrasing effort. According to Major Jeff Strickler, " Our number of volunteers is substantially down for this time of the year, plus, cancellations of volunteers due to cold weather and illness are making it very difficult to reach our fundrasing goal this year. We are desperate for help." Now past its halfway point, the Kettle Campaing has only raised $50,624 or 46-percent of its $110,000 goal. There are two easy ways to help. Sign up to bell ring by calling 218-829-1120. You can also make a financial donation at a red kettle or by mailing a check to: The Salvation Army, PO Box 385, Brainerd MN 56401. Or if you wish, donate on line at http://www.the/ salarmy.org. On line gifts can be designated to your specific community.