Giving on the upswing

Maybe the economy is improving, or maybe the Salvation Army has a higher profile and residents are more aware of the non-profit agency’s work.

The reason may be debatable, but the numbers don’t lie: Donations were up across the board this holiday season, according to Lt. Kelly Berggren.

Berggren said red kettle donations amounted to $59,000 this season, compared to $51,000 a year ago.

The Empty Stocking Fund, he said, brought in $3,875, compared to $2,500 last year.

In all, Salvation Army assisted 874 people during Christmas 2015, compared to 762 a year ago, Berggren said. That includes 200 children who received presents from Angel Trees both years.

That does not include the agency’s routine assistance provided to the less fortunate.

"The Salvation Army has helped 450 families a month from the food pantry this year," Berggren said.

Berggren said he believes an improved economy is somewhat responsible for increased donations.

But said he also believes a lot of local residents thought the Salvation Army was out of business when he and his wife arrived in town in July 2013. The thrift store had closed and many thought Salvation Army had folded its tent, Berggren said.

So they set out to raise awareness that they haven’t gone anywhere, and the effort produced results, he said.