Holiday giving lifts Salvation Army totals

Yogi the pony (left) assists bellringers Ken and Kasey Wahlmeier ringing the bell for the Salvation Army.

McCOOK, Neb. - Salvation Army donations in 2025 exceeded 2024’s total by 3.7 percent, according to Salvation Army Bell Ringer Coordinator Traci Taylor, who reported this year’s collections at $18,218.29 from the annual bell-ringing campaign.

The campaign, sponsored locally by the Southwest Nebraska Ministerial Association, remains a cornerstone of the community’s charitable giving. Funds raised support food, rent and utility assistance, as well as the annual backpack giveaway, which provided more than 250 backpacks to area children ahead of the school year. Taylor noted that “over 90% of the money stays local.”

Taylor thanked area churches for their support and singled out the Methodist Women’s group for its contributions, saying, “I think they do a lot for our community, more than anybody knows, from that store down there.”

She also praised the business community, particularly companies that allow employees to ring bells while still on the clock. Recruiting volunteers to staff the red kettles remains one of the campaign’s biggest challenges, and several businesses helped by donating prizes as incentives for ringers.

For every hour volunteered, ringers were entered into prize drawings. A $100 gas card donated by Frenchman Valley Co-Op was awarded to Janet Fritsche, who rang with help from her grandchildren. A $75 Shell gas card donated by MNB Bank went to Larry Pullman, and a $50 gift card from El Puerto restaurant was awarded to Kasey Wahlmeier.

In addition to kettle collections, Taylor said Salvation Army donations also benefited from the Big Give community fundraising event, which pushed the organization’s total for the year above $20,000.

“I wanted to get to $20,000 just out of the buckets,” Taylor said. “But, you know, if you don’t have ringers, you don’t have money.” She noted that finding volunteers was especially difficult during the final three days of the campaign.

Looking ahead, Taylor hopes to establish a stronger presence along Norris Avenue next year. While no downtown location has matched the warm, high-traffic conditions of the superstore on the edge of town, she is considering taking part in next year’s Noel on Norris celebration.

Individuals or organizations interested in volunteering for next year’s bell-ringing season are encouraged to contact Taylor at (308) 350-0904.