After all the donations have been counted, the Rhinelander Salvation Army raised just under $35,000 leading up to Christmas, exceeding their planned goal.
Kettle Campaign Coordinator Kim Swisher says she was very happy with the response from the public....
"....to know that we exceeded our goal since the first time I've been involved has been amazing. I knew our community was generous, but I didn't realize until I saw the totals how our community stepped up and came out and helped us...."
Swisher says 298 volunteers filled 189 bell ringing shifts at Trig's and Walmart.Volunteers at Shopko filled shifts Monday through Saturday for six weeks. She thanked several groups and businesses who donated both time and money. She also thanked volunteer leaders Tom Doyle, Tom Jerow, Jan Leschke and April Rawski. Swisher thinks the warmer than normal conditions led to more volunteers ringing bells...
".....for the first time I think that I can say yes, the weather had a positive effect. I think it dampened Christmas spirits a little bit, but everyone I talked to who rang the bells this year had great stories from people who had received help from a Salvation Army place...."
Swisher also thanked several businesses and organizations who contributed time and money. Swisher says they still have a few kettles to count, but the final total will exceed the projected goal. Almost all of the money stays in the local community to help fund relief services for those most in need.
