ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — With a high cost of living and rising prices for everyday goods, the Salvation Army is seeing a greater need this year.
The organization kicked off its 2023 Christmas Campaign Thursday outside of Hy-Vee in Ashwaubenon.
“We’re 100% reliant on volunteer bell ringing here in Greater Green Bay,” said Major Matt O’Neil, the Salvation Army’s Greater Green Bay coordinator.
The Salvation Army’s goal this year is $1.4 million — slightly above last year’s goal of $1.335 million — because they’re seeing an increase in people seeking their services.
“In particular, our seasonal programs. We had our Tools for School program this summer and we served almost double the amount of students that we did in years past,” said Becky Darrow, the Greater Green Bay Salvation Army’s director of social services.
Another program seeing a big increase this year is Coats for Kids. “Last year we gave out around 1,800 coats to kids,” added Darrow. “This year, it was over 2,700.”
It comes at a time when rising costs continue to impact working families.
Inflation data from September shows prices are up 3.7% compared to September 2022.
“Some of the things are harder for them to get. For instance, even groceries, or gas in their car, things like that,” said O’Neil. “It’s just, with the cost of inflation, with the cost of living just going up, it’s just harder and harder for families.”
“We’re cutting out hundreds of dollars out of their budget so they can keep a roof over their head,” said Darrow.
Outside of monetary donations, the Salvation Army encourages people to volunteer.
Over the last couple years, the organization has struggled to get enough bell ringers for the holiday season.
“The pre-pandemic numbers were about 7,500,” said O’Neil. “Since then we’ve crashed, but we’re slowly starting to build back up.”
This year, the Salvation Army hopes to fill at least 7,000 bell ringing shifts to help them achieve their goal.
To sign up for bell ringing, click here.
