Salvation Army Launches Bell-Ringing Campaign In Champaign County

Salvation Army units start up their Christmas fundraising campaigns every fall. In Champaign county, the campaign began on Veterans Day.

Bell-ringers, both paid and volunteer will attempt to raise $430,000 by manning the Salvation Army's red kettles at street corners or outside stores.

Salvation Army Envoy Michael Fuqua said the demand for their services increased dramatically with the economic downturn that began three years ago. He said the need has remained steady since then. Champaign County Salvation Army services include providing holiday meals and running a men's shelter in Champaign. But Fuqua said they also help families who may need emergency help with a rent payment or utility bill.

"If you think of whatever somebody's emergency need might be, they oftentimes come to the Salvation Army for assistance," Fuqua said. "You'd be surprised how often we're able to figure something out for them to help them financially, or maybe talk to whoever is after them for those problems."

Fuqua said all of the money raised in the Champaign County bell-ringing campaign goes to Salvation Army charitable work in Champaign County. The bell-ringing season will run until Jan. 1.