By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
HOULTON — While the recent dumping of snow has assured Aroostook County of a White Christmas, local Salvation Army officials fear they may be seeing red this season.
Because Thanksgiving was a week later than usual, collections for the charitable organization are far behind projections, which has Salvation Army Envoy Damon Hayward concerned about his ability to provide heating assistance this winter.
“We are extremely far behind in the kettles this year,” Hayward said. “As of yesterday (Dec. 13), we are $26,038 behind last year and $21,203 behind this year’s goal.”
With one less week to collect funds from shopping center locations, Hayward said he was hoping for a surge in public response to reach the Red Kettle Campaign goals in the area.
“No other way to say it, but without a miracle in the next nine days the decision will have to be made to restructure and cut assistance programs,” he said. “We do not want to go in the direction of restructuring and cutting, because this means that some people will not be able to receive emergency assistance from the Salvation Army in 2014.”
The loss of a full week of kettle income is having a significant impact on funds raised this year. Extremely cold temperatures have also played a part as people are more inclined to rush past the bell ringers to hurry into a store or back to their vehicle.
The problem is not isolated just to Aroostook County. Across the region, donations appear to be down.
“We are $60,000 behind compared to last year’s income at this time,” said Major James LaBossiere, divisional commander for northern New England.
Funds raised through the familiar red kettles are vital to The Salvation Army’s programs and services. This year’s campaign goal in Maine is $814,650 as Salvation Army leaders attempt to meet a huge upsurge in demands for help because of a lagging economy. Falling short of the goal may have a long-term impact.
In Maine, The Salvation Army’s Christmas ministry includes the distribution of toys to needy youngsters, food baskets and food vouchers, warm winter coats and so much more during the rest of the year. Last year, the group assisted 55,000 individuals, 25,000 during the holidays.
The funds raised from the kettle campaign go to the Salvation Army’s general fund to be used for heat, rent or food assistance for individuals and families in need. An estimated 130-140 families are in need of support each year in central and southern Aroostook County.
The one thing that the funds are not used for is purchasing toys for the holidays. Instead, any toys that are distributed to families are collected through the Salvation Army’s “Angel Trees,” which have tags bearing a needy child’s age and a toy they would like to receive this Christmas. Some tags also feature the names of adults and small items they might need.
Angel Trees are located at Kmart and JC Penney in Presque Isle and Walmart and Mardens in Houlton.
In the past good Samaritans have called the Salvation Army and offered to “adopt” a family for the holiday, providing presents for both the children and adults.
Finding enough people to be bell ringers is another problem, Hayward said. Oftentimes, the Salvation Army has to hire individuals to work the kettles at key locations because there simply are not enough people volunteering. Kettle ringers are needed six days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Hayward encourages any families, or groups who want to volunteer for shifts to call him at 538-5284.
