Salvation Army Bell Ringers Fall Short of $100,000 Goal in St. Croix County, Wis.

By Kevin Harter, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.

Dec. 28–The Salvation Army’s bell ringers in St. Croix County fell short of their $100,000 goal for a second year.

Area shoppers dropped $87,950 during the five weeks volunteers staffed the 10 red kettles in Baldwin, Hudson, Somerset and New Richmond, Salvation Army officials said Thursday.

Last year, about $83,000 was raised.

All the donations are for an emergency fund to provide for families in need, helping to provide items such as food and housing.

"The need in the county is growing, so we hoped to make our goal," said Lori Scheder, Salvation Army assistant director. "We did eek up a bit from 2006 and every little bit helps, but we still fell a little short."

A study released earlier this month underscores the growing need.

The survey of seven western Wisconsin counties found low-income families face significant problems getting health care, reliable food supplies, affordable housing and transportation.

According to the survey, commissioned by West Central Wisconsin Community Action Agency, one of the most pressing issues in St. Croix County is the high cost of housing.

The Salvation Army also operates Grace Place and two single-family homes, which are funded through other sources, including grants. Grace Place, the only full-service shelter between Eau Claire and the Twin Cities, provides housing for up to 24 people, three meals daily and services ranging from parenting skills and money management to tutoring and Alcoholics Anonymous

meetings.

The Somerset shelter opened five years ago in a vacant convent next to St. Anne’s Catholic Church. It initially served only women and families, but organizers decided to add bunk beds and admit men because such services were so rare in the area.

Kevin Harter can be reached at kharter@pioneerpress.com or 800-950-9080, ext. 2149.

To Help

Contributions can still be made to the Salvation Army at Grace Place, 203 Church Hill Road, Somerset, WI 54025.

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