Salvation Army needs an army this year

COVID-19 has impacted just about everyone in Steele County – from those in need to those who traditionally ring the bells for the Salvation Army’s annual red kettle fundraiser
Chairman of the Steele County Service Unit Linda Seljeseth said the agency has raised about $9,000 of its $60,000 goal. The funds raised go toward their back-to-school program, toys and food baskets at Christmas and the Salvation Army’s service office in the store which helps families in need with money for groceries, rent or even fixing their car so they can get back to work. 
To help the Salvation Army reach its goal and help as many people as possible, she asked the community to consider donating at the standing kettles, which are located at HyVee, Cabela’s, Cashwise, FleetFarm, Walmart and Walgreens in Owatonna, or the 13 counter kettles throughout Steele County. 
Unfortunately, COVID-19 has made it more difficult to raise funds this year. 
“It’s been tough. Some of my bell ringers who have been ringing for years aren’t ringing because they’re older and they don’t want to take the chance,” Seljeseth said. 
Due to the reduced number of bell ringers, she said it’s been difficult finding enough ringers to fill the two-hour shifts, which begin at 10 a.m. and last until 7 p.m., at each kettle. 
“We’re getting a few shifts filled each day, but we still need more,” she said. 
To help community members feel safe bell ringing and stay healthy, this year’s bell ringers are all wearing a mask, wearing buttons instead of aprons, distancing themselves from the kettle and spraying disinfectant on the kettle and bell at the end of their shift so it’s clean for the next ringer. 
Seljeseth said that community members can register to ring online at salvationarmynorth.org by creating an account and signing up for what’s available each day or by calling the Steele County Service Unit at (507) 649-2703. 
“If there’s a location that doesn't have a bell-ringer, ring it until someone shows up or just ring as long as you can,” she said. 
As one of five children raised by a single mom, Seljeseth said, she knows firsthand how much the funds raised by the Salvation Army helps local families. 
“I appreciate the Salvation Army so much myself and I hear people tell me that all the time,” she said.” There are people out there all the time who are so grateful for the community’s support.”
“Just know that this year is very tough and please donate with money or time,” she said. “We can also use help in the store, so there’s something you can do all the time.”
Donations can me made by depositing  cash or change in the kettle, sending cash or check to the store at 1810 S. Cedar in Owatonna or by donating online at salvationarmynorth.org.