Salvation Army launches annual Christmas campaign in Mankato with $625,000 goal

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - The Salvation Army in Mankato has officially launched its annual Christmas campaign, setting a fundraising goal of $625,000 to support operations through the coming year.

The campaign serves as the organization’s sole fundraiser in the Mankato area, generating nearly 80% of its annual funding during the eight-week span between November and December.

“Six hundred twenty-five thousand is what’s going to help us continue to operate every day throughout this next year,” Capt. Andy Wheeler said during an interview with Lisa Kaye on “In the Spotlight.”

The target marks an increase from the previous $550,000 goal, which the organization held for three years before exceeding it last year. Wheeler noted that rising community need prompted the higher target, citing increased demand for core services like the weekday community lunch program.

Corporate challenge and kettle locations

Mark Murphy of Old National Bank returns for his second year as corporate Christmas chair. Murphy previously organized a friendly competition among local professional firms ringing bells in the lobby at Scheels on Saturdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“Exceeding that goal last year, the corporate challenge was a big part of that,” Murphy said. “And so we came up with a new strategy where we engaged some professional firms.”

The corporate challenge at Scheels will return this year, alongside plans to bring the long-running Rotary and Kiwanis bell-ringing challenge to the Scheels lobby.

Red kettles will officially deploy across the community on Nov. 20, the Friday before Thanksgiving. Around 11 regular locations are scheduled, including:

• Scheels (Saturdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas)
• River Hills Mall (outside the carousel on select dates)
• Hy-Vee (both Mankato locations)
• Cub Foods (both Mankato locations)
• Sam’s Club
• Walmart
• Fleet Farm
• Hobby Lobby

Modern giving options and volunteer opportunities

To accommodate donors who do not carry cash, tap-to-pay options will expand to six dedicated kettle locations this season. Donors can also give via PayPal and Venmo, or contribute cash at red kettles.

Local businesses interested in hosting a kettle, as well as civic groups, churches, and volunteer bell ringers, can register by contacting the downtown Mankato office or messaging the Mankato Salvation Army Facebook page.

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