Totals up for helping army and its scores of volunteers

By Phil Pfuehler

People in River Falls and the surrounding area continue their generous ways.

The Pierce County Salvation Army collected another record amount during its holiday kettle campaign.

Last month the Salvation Army picked up donations totaling $22,500. That exceeded the Salvation Army's $21,000 goal and the 1998 collection of $18,800.

Money was collected from volunteers standing outside major stores and from counter kettles inside various businesses.

"The Kettle Campaign is a tradition which goes with Christmas," said Ed Paulson, who oversees the Pierce County Salvation Army. "We are delighted to be a part of the celebration at many of the businesses."

Paulson paid tribute to the many volunteers who braved the cold, "rang bells and extended Christmas greetings."

"I would say that we have had more success the past 2 years because we used more volunteers and have had the kettles out more often and at more places," he said. "Nationally, voluntarism has helped us gain many more interested persons.

"The natural disaster in North Dakota and Minnesota have also caused many people to respond in giving their time and treasures. The facts are clear - the more you give, the more you receive."

Pierce County bell ringers with kettles were stationed at Dick's IGA, More 4 and ShopKo in River Falls and Hinck's SuperValue and D & K's Fairway Foods in Ellsworth.

Paulson said another key of the successful fundraiser were the site chairmen and women across the county: Allan Stewart and Lori Klumb in River Falls; Patti Ingli in Ellsworth; John Carlson in Prescott; Sue Galoff and Janet Cleary in Spring Valley and Elmwood; and Lisa Raethke in Plum City.

"Without them, we could not have received as many dollars as we did," Paulson said. "I also must thank the many contributors who either gave dollars at the kettles or sent their funds to me or the state office."

In River Falls, many bell-ringing volunteers were steered to the Salvation Army from St. Bridget and First Covenant churches. Volunteers from those churches worked the ShopKo location Saturdays and Sundays.

The money collected by the Salvation Army will be used locally in Pierce County to help people on low incomes and or who are struggling because of an emergency.

"85% of the funds collected remain in the local community," Paulson said. "The rest of the funds go to fund state, national and international disaster projects."