The Salvation Army in Lincoln aims to raise $625,000 through its annual Tree of Lights campaign, with a kickoff celebration planned for Friday, Nov. 13. Major Kelsie Moreno-McCarter tells KLIN News the campaign is the organization’s largest fundraising period of the year, supporting assistance for Lincoln residents beyond the holidays.
“Every single dollar that we raise goes right back into helping Lincoln succeed, helping folks in Lincoln who are struggling, who need a helping hand,” she says. The organization hopes to reach its goal before the end of the year.
Moreno-McCarter said the campaign does not cover the Salvation Army’s entire annual operating needs, but it is an important part of funding services throughout the year. Holiday donations help provide Thanksgiving and Christmas food boxes, gifts through the Christmas toy shop and presents for seniors in nursing facilities.
Moreno-McCarter said the money also supports families facing ongoing financial pressures. “Staying housed, keeping food on the table, keeping utilities connected, all of those things that families are struggling with right now.”
Volunteer bell ringers can sign up for two-hour shifts by clicking here. Volunteers create a profile and select a location, date and time through the website. Moreno-McCarter tells KLIN News bell ringing has become an annual tradition for families, Scout troops, school groups and service clubs.
“There are even families who every year they go out on the same Saturday and ring that bell as a family tradition,” she says. The kickoff event on Nov. 13 runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 27th and Potter and will include family activities and the season’s first tree lighting.