Salvation Army surpasses goal
By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
The generosity of Mon Valley residents has left Monessen Salvation Army Capt. Sue Thwaite speechless.
In an unprecedented year dominated by the pandemic, the organization collected far more than the fundraising goal for its annual Red Kettle Campaign.
“We rescued Christmas,” Thwaite said. “But more than that, we know we will be able to continue serving the Mon Valley well into next year because of the kindness and generosity of the people behind us.”
Salvation Army volunteers have worked diligently since March to support people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With a need greater than ever before, the organization had to come up with innovative ways to make sure its fundraising efforts can continue.
In addition to serving meals and other necessities in the past several months, the Salvation Army started holiday fundraising early this year, hopeful but not certain that it would reach its $60,000 goal.
“Not only did we meet that goal, but we well surpassed it,” Thwaite said. “I honestly can’t believe it. It has left me totally speechless.”
The Salvation Army raised a record total of $108,495 this year.
Fundraising efforts started with a virtual 5K fun run in October to give the organization a head start. That event brought in more than $10,000, but with a 30% increase in need and with many people out of work and struggling to make ends meet, Thwaite wasn’t sure residents would have money to spare.
As kettles began to pop up in front of area stores, the group was met with another challenge as it struggled to find volunteers to ring bells.
Because of pandemic restrictions, they were also unsure if they would be able to stand in their usual spots.
“There seemed to be challenge after challenge, but by the grace of God, we were able to jump over each hurdle,” Thwaite said. “We were able to stand at all five of our locations.”
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