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B-N Salvation Army falls short of its annual fundraising goal

Salvation Army red kettles
Kristen Wyatt
/
AP
The Salvation Army in Bloomington-Normal continued to see a decline in its traditional Red Kettle campaign as fewer people responded to bell ringers posted at various places around the community.

The Salvation Army in Bloomington-Normal said Wednesday it fell short of its holiday fundraising campaign goal.

The agency provides services such as the Safe Harbor Homeless Shelter, a food pantry, an emergency assistance program for rent, utility, prescription drug, fuel and clothing help, and a variety of youth programs.

Development Director Angie Bubon said 87% of the agency's $515,000 goal has been raised, or a total of $448,679.

"The Red Kettles continued to see a decrease in funds raised this year due to many on-going factors — consumers carrying less cash, and more online shopping, which means less foot traffic in shopping areas, and the continued economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Bubon.

Donations to the Christmas Campaign will continue to be counted through the end of the year, Bubon said.

Charlie Schlenker was a senior reporter at WGLT. He retired in September 2026.