Rochester, N.Y. — The Salvation Army bells and kettles have been put away for another holiday season, but the money collected during the 2015 campaign will be put to good use throughout 2016.

Major Doug Hart, Executive Director for The Salvation Army in Monroe County, said that he equates the sound of bells ringing to the hope and joy brought to those who benefit from Salvation Army efforts.

“Whether it’s the children who take part in our summer camp and after school programs, or all those who come to us for help through our Emergency and Family Services programs or four homeless shelters, our mission is to brighten and change the lives of our friends and neighbors served by The Salvation Army all year long,” Hart said.

Community and volunteer bell ringers filled more than 15,000 hours at kettles at local malls and stores and the 2015 campaign saw not just one, but two diamond rings put in Greater Rochester kettles to be counted among the many coins and bills. The $498,122 was so close to the $500,000 goal and topped the previous year’s total by more than $35,000. Major Hart expressed his gratitude for the support.

“With the decrease in foot traffic in local stores due to increased online shopping, it’s encouraging to see community members giving more to help us serve their neighbors in need – either by ringing a bell or by making a donation,” he said. “So many people will be blessed as a result of this annual campaign. As all of Greater Rochester and beyond knows, we have world-class volunteers and world class donors. People of Greater Rochester are hopeful and filled with compassion – people representing every demographic in life. The Salvation Army serves all people so it is no surprise that all people have enlisted in our efforts to serve.”

Hart added that he would like to give special thanks to Jim, Shirley and Ray Isaac, the entire Isaac family, as well as the extended Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning family for being the 2015 honorary Red Kettle Campaign family.

“They not only brought an outstanding level of leadership and professionalism to the campaign but a real sense of family values that meshed well with The Salvation Army’s mission,” Hart said. “Their sincere support went beyond the radio and television advertisements and extended to their personal bell ringing.”

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign is the major fundraiser for the organization but it is just one piece of a bigger picture. Donations can be made throughout the year to provide critical services for people in need in the Greater Rochester community.

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About The Salvation Army                                                                                                                                                                     

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. The Salvation Army has been Doing The Most Good in Rochester since May 4, 1884. Last year, more than 26,000 bags of groceries and over 30,000 nights of lodging were provided for those in the most need in our community.