JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Salvation Army is dramatically down from their 2019 Red Kettle Campaign goal.

In November, Major Judy Lowder made the announcement that their goal was $139,000. She states that now as of December 9th, only 25% of that has been raised with less than two weeks to go.

Lowder says the need is present in Stutsman County and is actually increasing. At least 20 households a month of new people needing food have come for support who have never came to the Salvation Army before.

Other services that may experience “cuts” include their rent and utility assistance, spiritual counseling, vouchers, and their Christmas assistance.

David Bratton is the Stutsman County Veterans Officer, but also serves on the Salvation Army board. He says he sees the need from veterans he works with in Stutsman County.

Bratton stated it’s important for people to volunteer to ring bells and donate when they see a Red Kettle in Jamestown.

Stutsman County Emergency Manager Jerry Bergquist is also a board member. He stated that the community and all of Stutsman County was fortunate to even have the Salvation Army as a resource.

Bergquist says a lot of what the Salvation Army does is “behind the scene” so many may not actually see what they do on a daily basis.

He says if this service were to diminish or disappear, it would be devastating.

All money raised through the Red Kettles will go directly back into the community through the Salvation Army’s services.

Major Lowder encourages service clubs, businesses, friends, family, neighbors and anyone to challenge one another to ring the bell and see who can raise the most money. She says it’s all for the benefit of Stutsman County.

Locations in need of volunteer bell ringers include Cashwise Foods, Jamestown Business Center, Walmart and two sites in the Buffalo Mall. The ring dates will go through December 24th.

The Salvation Army is also looking for a new Thrift Store location.

If you would like to volunteer to ring a bell, visit registertoring.com and sign up for a time and location that works for you.

You can contact Major Judy Lowder at 701-269-3930 or 701-252-0290 for more information on the Salvation Army, to register, or make a donation today.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Major Judy Lowder, David Bratton, and Jerry Bergquist below: