Salvation Army sets holiday fundraising goals

The Salvation Army of Springfield has set fundraising goals for two holiday campaigns in hopes of bringing in more money than last year for the faith-based poverty relief organization.

The nonprofit's local chapter this year has a goal of raising $225,000 through its Red Kettle initiative and $923,000 for its full Christmas campaign, according to a news release. The Red Kettle figure, through which donations are taken via the nonprofit's signature red kettles, is included within the total Christmas fundraising goal.

“Every dollar given through the Red Kettle Campaign helps us meet the growing needs of our community throughout the year,” said Hollee Ellis, development director of The Salvation Army of Springfield, in the release. "We are honored to serve our neighbors, and with the community’s help, we can continue to make a positive impact in the lives of those who need it most."

Ellis said via email that the 2024 Red Kettle initiative brought in $166,698 of its $250,000 goal, and the larger Christmas campaign recorded $774,034 of its $925,000 goal.

Funds raised are used for The Salvation Army's mission of providing essential services, emergency assistance and programs to individuals and families in the Ozarks, according to the release.

This year's holiday campaigns come as The Salvation Army's Springfield is building a new $12 million Harbor House men's shelter that will replace an 85-year-old building in downtown Springfield. Officials broke ground on the shelter, located at the Springfield chapter's main facility at 1707 W. Chestnut Expressway, in October, according to past reporting. 

The nearly 20,000-square-foot Harbor House, slated for completion in late 2026 or early 2027, is part of the local nonprofit chapter's $20 million Lives Transformed capital campaign. The goal comprises $12 million for the Harbor House facility, which will include an adjacent, over 9,100-square-foot food pantry, warehouse and family enrichment center, as well as $5 million for strategic reserves and $3 million for programs and operating support.