Holiday spirit lifts Salvation Army donations

Just weeks ago, officials at the Elgin Salvation Army predicted gloom and doom for this month and early next year as the number of families in need grew and the agency's food supply dwindled.

But Elginites and other Fox Valley residents kicked giving into high gear this month, helping the group restock its shelves and rocket past the 2008 Christmas Campaign collection goal of $175,000.

"It was very surprising," said Major Ken Nicolai. "Even as late as two weeks ago, we were expecting we weren't going to reach that ambitious goal we had set."

As of Dec. 24, the group had collected $183,000 though donations at the 21 kettles in Elgin and Carpentersville and through the mail. That is nearly 20 percent more than the $153,709 collected in 2007.

The drive ends on Dec. 31, so the final tally will be even higher.

Nicolai said the number of donors writing out $1,000-plus personal checks dropped compared to last year, but smaller donations increased significantly.

"People gave what they had," he said. "I think people sense people are hurting."

About 1,700 area families have requested assistance since November, mostly for food, Nicolai said. At this time a year ago, the number of families requesting assistance was less than 1,000.

The public's generosity will allow the group to hold weekly mass food distributions. Nicolai doesn't anticipate turning away anyone for a few months.

The Salvation Army also is working with the city of Elgin to organize a fair bringing together all area aid agencies under one roof for a day to explain what help is available to local families.

"Many people are in need for the first time," Nicolai said. "They don't know how to access these services or what they are eligible for."