Salvation Army Still Short on 2011 Goals

A personalities to help ring bells helped the catch up with 2010’s donation pace, but the organization still is behind pace for its 2011 goals.

Maj. Dan Hull of the Plymouth Corps said the group has raised $94,080 so far this year with its Red Kettle Campaign and is at 41.8 percent of its 2011 goal of $225,000.  Overall, the group’s fundraising has totaled $115,514, at 36.7 percent of its goal of $315,000, including the Red Kettle Campaign. 

Sandy Kollinger, volunteer and special events coordinator, said that these numbers are on pace with 2010, but behind what is needed to reach this year’s goals. She said the group still needs volunteers for the final two weeks of the bell-ringing season.

The effort was boosted by visits by Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock and general manager Ken Holland to Hiller’s Market in Northville and by players Drew Miller and Valtteri Filppula at the Kroger in Plymouth on Friday.  The coach and general manager raised $9,761 at Hiller’s Market. The visit, Kollinger said, brought in $2,394. 

This week, the organization is gearing up for its Toy Town toy and clothing store for families. Volunteers are needed, Kollinger said, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday this week to prepare the Plymouth Corps’ facilities at 9451 S. Main St. into Toy Town, which opens Dec. 20-22 to distribute goods to families in need. Volunteers are needed for the distribution effort, as well, Kollinger said. Those who help would work 2 ½-hour shifts from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Those interested in volunteering to ring bells can go online to ringbell.org. Those interested in volunteering at the organization’s local events can contact Kollinger at (734) 453-5464, ext. 24, or by logging on at misalplymouth.org.