The Merrill unit of the Salvation Army is happy to announce the total funds raised during the 2015 annual Kettle Campaign. Good weather, dedicated ringers and generous donors helped raise a record $26,570.

While $3,215 was raised through check donation, the remaining $23,355 was raised through the efforts of many dedicated bell ringers who weathered the cold. Ringers came from Our Saviour’s, St. John, St. Francis, First Presbyterian, Christ Methodist, Journey, Calvary Lutheran, Merrill Bible, St. Stephen’s and Bible Presbyterian churches. Bell ringers also came from other groups in the community, including The Octagon Club, St. Vincent de Paul, Boy Scouts and the newly-formed volunteer program at Church Mutual.

Individuals who rang multiple shifts were:
•5-10 hours- Dick Duginski, Jim Rell, Gary Sorcik, Steve Peterson and Ron Kautz
•10-20 hours- Ward Gremler, Denis McCarthy and Rob Hartson
•20-30 hours- Sue Norenburg
•30-40 hours- Dan Szulczewski
•40-50 hours- Donald Mac Swain
Groups that ran multiple hours included all participating churches (10-20 hours) and the Church Mutual volunteers (40-50 hours).

Lee’s Piggle Wiggly, Dave’s County Market and Walmart continue to host ringers at their businesses. River Valley Bank provides the service of counting the donations in the kettles.

“Thank you to all the anonymous donors who gave coins and bills of all denominations at the kettle,” said Sharon Anderson of the Salvation Army Merrill Unit. “We’d like to remind you that 86% of every dollar donated in Merrill stays in Merrill. The remainder is used at the national level.”

Donations may be made at any time during the year and may be mailed to Salvation Army, P.O. Box 614, Merrill, WI 54452.