Salvation Army continues Red Kettle Campaign - ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI

(12/26/12) - It was a bit of a slow holiday season for The Salvation Army of Genesee County. The organization's Red Kettle Campaign came up short in its efforts to reach $847,000 in donations by Christmas Eve.

"Currently, we're about 7 percent behind. That's about $170,000," said Major John Augenstein, with the Salvation Army.

To help catch up, the Red Kettles were back on the street early Wednesday morning, and they'll stay out through Saturday.

"We'll be at Kroger stores in Genesee County, a couple of Vg's and Kmarts as well. They've just opened their hearts and been generous enough to let us stay there," Augenstein said.

And that's a good thing, since this year, the Army has faced some of its biggest challenges in decades.

"Most of our major funding was cut, money we get to help people pay their rent and stay in their homes, so we depend more and more on what the public is willing to give us to help meet needs," Augenstein said.

While many of the shoppers we spoke with say that while they're used to making donations prior to Christmas, they don't seem to mind throwing a few more dollars into the kettle after the holiday has passed by as well.

"It's alright with me. It's a good cause. I think they should be out," said Jerry Basore.

"I'm always in a giving mood. Christmas is just one day. You can live your life that way, all 365 days a year," said Chris Emery.

And while the kettles will only be out for four extra days, the Salvation Army believes it'll be enough time to hit their goal.

"$170,000, it's a sizeable amount, but I really believe the folks of Genesee County can make it happen," Augenstein said.

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