GREENFIELD — Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, head of The Salvation Army, has challenged all chapters of the international charity to raise more money than he does in four hours on Friday, and the Greenfield chapter is ready to give it a try.
The local chapter plans to participate in the National Commander’s Red Kettle Challenge at the Greenfield Stop & Shop, 89 French King Highway, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All money raised from donations stays local to support services during the holidays and into the new year.
Lt. Paul Leslie, approaching his third Christmas as chapter leader with his wife, Lt. Emily Leslie, said he will stand outside the supermarket ringing that familiar bell to solicit donations.
“The challenge is a great opportunity, especially this year because there has been a donor that has stepped to match any donations that we receive that day,” he said. “So every single dollar that we raise that day is going to be doubled, to double the impact to the community.”
Donations, which must be received by Friday, can also be mailed to The Salvation Army Greenfield, P.O. Box 346, Greenfield, MA 01301. Or, people can donate in person at the Greenfield office at 72 Chapman St. by 1 p.m. on Friday. Contributors can donate with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Venmo, or by texting KETTLES to 51555. Also, your Amazon Alexa can help if you say, “Alexa, donate to The Salvation Army,” and specify the amount of money to donate.
The national fundraising goal for those four hours on Friday, Dec. 9, is $1.5 million. The Greenfield chapter aspires to raise $5,000. Paul Leslie said this represents about 15% of the chapter’s total red kettle fundraising goals for the season, which spans from early November through Christmas Eve.
The Salvation Army Athol Corps will not participate in the National Commander’s Red Kettle Challenge this year because Capt. Esther Wilson is ill. However, she said the chapter still needs volunteers for goods distribution efforts. Anyone who is interested can visit bit.ly/3VYd6hB.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or
413-930-4120.