News Photo by Kayla Wikaryasz On Friday, Zachary Lyle is seen participating in The Salvation Army bell ringing fundraiser at Save A Lot.

ALPENA — The Salvation Army in Alpena kicked off its Red Kettle Christmas fundraiser on Thursday. The Salvation Army Major Prezza Morrison said their fundraiser goal for 2025 is $190,000.

Morrison said that last year’s fundraiser goal was $185,000 and they ended up raising $187,000. She said that because many community members are struggling financially this year, she didn’t want to raise the fundraiser goal drastically. However, since there are more community members struggling, there is a greater need in the community.

“Because we are struggling with the economy, we have more people coming through for assistance,” Morrison said. “We never have to turn people down.”

Prezza explained that the funds fundraised supports The Salvation Army in Alpena for the whole year. She said that the money goes towards assisting community members with utilities, food, clothing, household items, et cetera.

“We really do a lot of outside the box stuff,” Morrison said.

For example, Morrison said she recently signed off on procuring a birth certificate for an individual.

Morrison stated that the community is “really receptive” to the efforts of The Salvation Army and their fundraising goals. She said this is represented through the funds they are able to fundraise each year.

“They provide what we need when we need it,” Morrison said.

With the recent federal government shutdown affecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Morrison said that The Salvation Army was concerned that they were not going to be able to accommodate the needs of the community. However, with the financial and food donations, they were able to provide for those in need without limiting their reach.

Morrison said that this support from the community proves that Northeast Michigan appreciates what the organization does.

“When the community donates we support the community,” Morrison said. “We keep the money in the community.”

Morrison said that community members can find Red Kettle Christmas bell ringers at the Alpena Post Office, Save A Lot, Tractor Supply, Perch’s IGA, and Walmart throughout the fundraising season.

Morrison also suggested that families and friends get together to donate their time as bell ringers.

“Then go out for hot chocolate later and talk about why you chose to do this,” Morrison said.

Those interested in volunteering should visit registertoring.com/.