Just how successful were bell-ringing efforts for the Christmas holiday season in Manitowoc County?
According to Lieutenant Jenny Moffitt Corps Officer of the local Salvation Army, they raised a total of $129,987.36.
Moffit told SeehaferNews.com that their goal was $100,000, meaning they raised just shy of 30% more than they aimed for.
“This is above and beyond what I expected,” she said. “I’m entirely surprised given the generous nature of the community, but I’m pleasantly excited about what that means for the yearly budget, and what we can do with those funds.”
Moffit said that they plan on using the money raised to assist those who have urgent needs, such as giving a ride to someone with a medical appointment in Milwaukee that wouldn’t be able to get there on their own, or are in desparate need of groceries.
Moffit also explains they will be looking to expand their staff in 2020, so they can become more efficient with their services to those in need or less fortunate.
She’s also hoping to get approval to add a volunteer coordinator.
She said the Salvation Army had 300 bell ringing slots to fill, not including volunteers from high school clubs, service organizations and Ascend Services.
Moffitt said they were able to fill 70-percent of the 6,000 bell ringing hours at various kettle locations, and, all of those bell ringers volunteered to help serve others.
