With only days left in its 2023 Red Kettle Campaign, The Salvation Army of the Quad Cities is getting an added boost thanks to a generous challenge match from Davenport-based department store chain Von Maur.
Major Robert Doliber, the Salvation Army’s Quad Cities coordinator, announced on Wednesday, Dec. 20, that collections raised locally from Thursday, Dec. 21, to Saturday, Dec. 23, will be doubled up to $20,000 by Von Maur.
Donations to the red kettles are critically important, as they make it possible for The Salvation Army to carry out its mission to serve those in need, both during the holiday season and year-round, he added.
“2023 has been a very difficult year for those in need in our community. Housing, groceries, and other essential items’ costs have all increased to the point that The Salvation Army of the Quad Cities is serving more people than last year,” Mr. Doliber said. “On any given night, we are providing shelter and other housing support to over 300 individuals, including 200 children.”
However, he said this year’s kettle donations are 15% behind where they were last year “and we are quite concerned that we will reach goal and be able to meet these needs. We are very grateful for the generous match from Von Maur.”
The Salvation Army said all donations stay local and go toward helping those most in need in the community.
Donors who are unable to make it to a kettle can give to a “virtual kettle” at DavenportRedKettle.org or MolineRedKettle.org.