Salvation Army's Holiday Fundraising effort

Union - At the beginning of December, the Salvation Army’s holiday fundraising was off to a slow start. The Army’s goal for the 2006 season was set only slightly higher than the 2005 goal in an attempt to accommodate the ever-rising cost of services and increasing requests for help, however, red kettle donations had not reached the 20 percent mark as of Dec. 4. The NJ Division of the Salvation Army is dependent upon the success of its holiday fundraising efforts. The division asks the public to be generous as they encounter red kettles or receive holiday mail appeals. These donations determine not only the amount of Christmas help the Army can give but also the level of programs and ser-vices it is able to provide to the less fortunate throughout the year. For those people who no longer encounter red kettles or angel giving trees at their local malls or stores, both opportunities to donate are available online at www.salvationarmynewjersey.org or by calling 1-877-NJS-ARMY to make a credit card donation. For those interested in volunteering to stand a red kettle or help in other ways, please call Major Joan Brewer at 908-851-8207. For any other inquiries regarding The Salvation Army’s Christmas programs, please call Tricia Pellegrini at 908-851-8227.