The Cass County Salvation Army Chapter had their Red Kettle Campaign Kickoff on Wednesday (Nov. 6th), at the China Hut Restaurant in Atlantic. Local officials say last year (2012) the Red Kettle Campaign brought in over $10,000 in donations, the largest amount ever collected for the Cass County Unit, #209.

90-percent of all donations collected stay in Cass County. The money has been used for assisting individuals with food and shelter after being stranded in the area either due to bad weather or car problems, etc. Over $9,000 was used to assist with needs in the local area. Programs receiving funds this year included:

Parents As Teachers (for meeting supplies); School Principals receiving gift cards for identified students in need; Each Cass County School district received book bags to distribute to kids; Atlantic Food Pantry for Meat; Athletic shoes for needy students participating is sports partnering with Brown Shoe Fit; The Alternative School for food and hygiene products and clothing to assist students in applying for and starting jobs and the “Shop with a Cop” and “Family Dream Christmas” gift cards.

The community has been very supportive of the Red Kettle Campaign in Cass County, and the local Salvation Army Chapter is expressing its gratitude for your ongoing support. This year, the organization welcomes a new Bell Ringing Chairman, Mark Wedemeyer. He and Dave Hancock will be instrumental in finding volunteers. Anyone wishing to volunteer to assist in the Campaign this year is asked to call Mark Wedemeyer at 712-249-0938.

Any donations that are mailed in to Salvation Army Headquarters need the notation for Iowa Unit #209 on the front of their check or on the online donation form, to be credited to the local unit. The money collected here locally stays in the community to be used to assist local community members.