KETTLES ARE $12,760 SHORT OF GOAL

AUBURN – The Red Kettle Campaign in Auburn is $12,760 short of its $50,000 goal, with three days to go before Christmas, reported Captain Dennis Cregan, director of the Auburn Salvation Army. Describing the situation as urgent, the captain said he has been short of volunteers, and could use bellringers in the morning, afternoon and evening. “We need bellringers, not only to make up the shortfall, but also to be able to provide emergency assistance throughout the year,” the captain said. He said a shortfall would “cause a cutback in services next year,” especially since they are helping more families with Christmas assistance. Captain Cregan noted: “We provide food assistance throughout the year. Also, we are the only agency in Cayuga County providing rental/mortgage assistance on a regular basis. Other emergency assistance we provide throughout the year includes prescriptions, emergency/back-to-work aid, and doctor appointment travel assistance.” There are several ways the community can help, he noted. 1. Become a bellringer (especially groups). Call 315-253-0319, call the Red Kettle Center toll free at 1-877-764-7259 or go online to redkettles.org. 2. Become a virtual bellringer and make a donation online by going to onlineredkettle.org. 3. Send a tax-deductible check directly to the local Salvation Army at 18 E. Genesee St., Auburn, NY 13021. Captain Cregan added: “We thank each of our volunteers and donors, and we are grateful for everyone who doesn’t forget those less fortunate.”