Bass Pro lends support to Salvation Army

The Salvation Army-Springfield is getting some holiday help from Bass Pro Shops.

The Springfield-based outdoor retailer announced a dollar-for-dollar match for The Salvation Army's Red Kettles campaign, according to a news release. Bass Pro's flagship shop in central Springfield and its catalog store next door will be accepting donations Dec. 20-24, with the company pledging to match up to $20,000.

A successful donation drive at Bass Pro would help the nonprofit come closer to its 2021 Red Kettle Hope Marches Campaign Need goal of $1.1 million. The Salvation Army has raised $571,629, or 54% of its goal, so far.

"These crucial funds will go a long way to support our ongoing, year-round programs that help our neighbors in need," Salvation Army officials said in the release.

The local Salvation Army chapter ranked No. 15 on Springfield Business Journal's 2021 list of the area's largest nonprofits. The organization reported 50 local employees and an operating budget of $2.8 million. The faith-based poverty relief organization provides emergency social services, homeless housing, food pantries and other assistance locally.