Tri-City Salvation Army has good season, despite economy

The Tri-City Salvation Army in St. Charles reported this week that it exceeded its holiday fundraising goal by $17,000, despite tough economic times.

Major Steven Koehler, who runs the local charity, said the organization brought in $317,360 total in a year when he expected the economy to hurt seasonal giving. The money helped provide food, gifts and clothes to more than 4,500 individuals.

"We raised $300,000 in '07 and thought, with the economic climate, we'd be doing good if we ended up with the same (in 2008)," he said. "We were very surprised, and it was a great feeling to be able to accomplish that and report again another success story of how generous people are in this community."

There were a few surprises, too.

On Christmas Eve, someone put a gold coin valued at roughly $800 in one of the Salvation Army's red kettles, Koehler said. Several longtime donors also increased their annual contributions.

Among those helped through red kettle and direct mail donations were 1,141 children who received toys, up from 762 the year before. The organization also gave out 330 sacks of groceries in December compared to 150 during the same month in 2007.

Looking ahead, Koehler said keeping food pantry shelves stocked will remain a priority as the number of people seeking assistance increases.

"We see that down the line as being the greatest challenge," he said.

The Tri-City Salvation Army, 1710 S. Seventh Ave., serves Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles. For more information, call (630) 377-2769.