![]() DeBaar said about one-third of the repairs have been made, at $180,000, with another $200,000 in work still ahead. High winds peeled the roof off the gym, as well as insulation and the HVAC system and the wall between the gym and commercial kitchen at the organization's Cedar Rapids Community Center, 1000 C Ave. Repair costs will be covered by insurance, but work remains at both sites. 10 derecho that wreaked havoc in Eastern Iowa also damaged the Salvation Army buildings in both Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. ![]() The pandemic isn't the only force in the downward turn. 'I believe that's because some people who have it are trying to make up for people who don't,' he said. While the donor numbers are down, Graham is seeing larger bills, from $20 to $100, being dropped in the kettles. Last year at this time, the kettle campaign had raised about 44 percent of its goal, but this year, it's closer to 33 percent at this point. Of that, its Christmas donation appeals typically raise $150,000, with the kettle campaign bringing in another $100,000. Iowa City has a $750,000 operating budget. As of earlier in the week, however, those donations were running $20,000 behind last year's figures. The goal is to raise $711,000 in November and December, with about $200,000 of that coming from the kettle campaign. The Cedar Rapids unit operates with a $1.6 million annual budget. Or they can choose to 'join the team' as an online bell ringer to raise funds, or donate directly on local Salvation Army websites. In-person shifts run for two hours, and people can sign up online. 'But we're really, really short of bell ringers,' Iowa City Capt. 24, with 30 kettles in place in Linn County and 15 kettle stands in Johnson County. You will begin to receive our Daily News updates. Add your contacts. The kettles are farther away from store entrances and exits, too, in keeping with physical distancing protocols. The pandemic also has limited the number of people who can physically volunteer at the kettles to just one or two masked people from the same bubble - no musicians, church, civic or school groups this year. 'However, we've had to place a higher emphasis and depend greater on them more this year than ever before, due to COVID.' 'We have had the virtual red kettle technology for a few years now,' Cedar Rapids Capt. All the kettles have QR (quick response) codes and links to online donation options, although Massingill hasn't seen anyone use those during his shifts. In addition to time, he also donates money to the organization.īut Salvation Army captains in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City said donations and volunteers are both down overall this year, which they attribute to tighter household budgets and less foot traffic at the stores where the kettles are placed. 'People are happy to see people out here ringing, and are very appreciative in most cases, for people volunteering,' he said. ![]() He's had good response so far this season. ![]()
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