Salvation Army about $21K behind in kettle drive

THE final push is on to make sure needy families have a fun-filled festive season, thanks to the Paisley Daily Express Christmas Toy Appeal.
Every year, readers dig deep in the name of Christmas spirit to bring some festive cheer to those in our communities who need a helping hand.
The appeal is always kicked off by the team at whisky firm William Grant & Sons, who hand in bags of toys that are then passed on to our friends at the Salvation Army, in Paisley, for distribution to needy families.
Also supporting the appeal is Paisley and Renfrewshire South MP Douglas Alexander, who popped into the Express office in New Street to donate some gifts.
Mr Alexander said: “I am delighted to support the toy appeal.
“In these tough economic times, the appeal has never been more important – so I’d like to say well done to the Paisley Daily Express.
“Buddies are well known for their generosity and big hearts, so I’d urge all Express readers to make a donation to the appeal.
“The Express and the Salvation Army are looking for gifts for all ages of boys and girls and they don’t have to be too expensive.
“When my two children were younger, both Thomas the Tank Engine and Princess dressing-up time were popular play choices, so I have donated these and hope they can help to make sure local youngsters are smiling this Christmas.”
The toys are being distributed by our friends at the Salvation Army.
Major Mike Loveridge is holding a special registration day for people who would like to receive gifts for their family.
This is being held at the Salvation Army base, at 3 Mill Street, Paisley, tomorrow.
Ahead of this, you must pick up a registration form at the Express office or at the Salvation Army HQ in Mill Street. You must then take your registration form, together with identification that proves who you and your children are, to the Salvation Army office between 10.30am and 3.30pm tomorrow.


Last year, the Salvation Army raised about $240,000, while the goal was $250,000.
The organization started this year's campaign on Nov. 15. Red kettles have been set up at 25 locations around the county, including grocery and department stores. The campaign concludes Christmas Eve.
What it supports: The organization still expects to receive some additional donations through its mail appeal, which also is part of the fundraising campaign, Lenkner said.
The Salvation Army has received one gold Krugerrand coin and several gold and diamond rings. They will be sold to a local jeweler, and the money will be added to the campaign.
"But when it's all said and all done, all our Christmas appeals -- kettle and mail -- have to keep up for us to have the (funding) we need to serve the community," Lenker said.
If the fundraising goal is not reached, the organization will do other fundraising projects throughout the year to make up for the kettle drive shortage, Lenkner said.
"We're not looking to cut back service," he said. "We want to meet our budget to provide services at the level we're planning."
To contribute to the Salvation Army's Christmas red kettle fundraising drive, mail a check -- payable to the organization and "Red Kettle" written on the memo line -- to Salvation Army, 50 E. King St., York, Pa. 17401.