Red Kettle campaign update

[January 07, 2011]  A combination of year-end donations, both mailed and hand-delivered to the Keest Center, have brought the running total for the annual Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign to $25,281.48. That figure represents 42 per cent of the agency's goal of $60,000. The Online Red Kettle will remain open until the goal is met.

Rebecca Van Nydeggen, Keest Center director, said: "We are introducing additional programs in 2011 that will supplement our ongoing social services and emergency assistance to local residents. One of these new programs is 'Warm Neighbors, Cool Friends,' a new energy assistance program for residents who have household incomes above 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Another new program is a partnership program for assistance with the cost of flu shots for eligible clients."

More information on these new programs is available by calling 217-732-7890. Appointments are scheduled for both new and returning clients to maximize casework effectiveness and to minimize the need for multiple office visits.

Van Nydeggen stresses that her agency's approach to assisting needy individuals and families has multiple components: emergency services for immediate relief, and long-term recovery and follow-up for clients in transition.

"In 2011, we will also continue to provide emergency disaster services, eviction prevention assistance, emergency food pantry, water utility shutoff prevention, and a variety of social services and employment and education referrals," she said. "Our agency's focus on getting unemployed clients through recovery periods and back to work is paramount and central to our case management. We will also continue assisting eligible clients with transitions into new permanent housing following periods of transience, homelessness or displacement due to disaster."

Not all of the programs for 2011 are financial assistance to families in economic hardship.

"This summer, we want to take many more children to Eagle Crest Camp," Van Nydeggen said. "With support from the communities in Logan County, The Salvation Army will do that and more!"

Donations may be made online or mailed to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 52, Lincoln, IL, 62656.

[Text from file received]