In the 35 days that the Red Kettle drive has been underway, the Salvation Army says little more than $43,000 has been raised in Danbury. While that seems like a large amount, Salvation Army Captain Timothy Shaffer says it's far below the amount raised last year.
The fundraising goal is $75,000 for the year. So far, the Salvation Army is only about 57-percent of the way to that goal. At this time last year, they were 74-percent of the way to their fundraising goal. Danbury state Senator Mike McLachlan and Brookfield Representative Stephen Harding helped out during the collection drive by taking a shift bell ringing for the Salvation Army.
The money collected locally, stays local. Shaffer says the community always has come through in the past, and he is hoping residents do so again.
The Danbury Salvation Army will be helping over 900 children and 30 senior citizens for Christmas. 300 families are registered for the Christmas program, where food and toys are distributed to families. A Thanksgiving distribution is also done by the Salvation Army.
Throughout the rest of the year, the organization offers food pantry services, and rent and utility emergency assistance for anyone in need. Other programs include the Women's Group, Kids 4 God Kids Club for children 12 years old and under, homework help, Teen Club for teenagers 13-19 years old.
