Salvation Army warns of red kettle crooks

The Salvation Army in Columbia depends heavily on the red kettle campaign and expects to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars through the next few weeks.

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and so we use the money that we receive at Christmas to fund our programming through the year,” said Maj. Richard Trimmell with the Salvation Army.

Salvation Army administrators encourage donors this season to know who’s getting their money and warns those in the giving spirit of red kettle crooks.

Administrators said the Salvation Army will never go door to door for donations. The bell ringers never stand on street corners — they’ll always stand in front of stores. Also, bell ringers will wear the Salvation Army apron and have official signage.

“If a person has any question or doubt about who it is that’s raising the money, or whatever, to make sure and give us a call here at the office,” said Trimmell.

Salvation Army administrators also said the organization will never call asking for money, and the mailer it sends out for donations is clearly identified.

This year the Salvation Army hopes to raise $415,000 during the Christmas season. The red kettle campaign ends Christmas Eve.