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“Springfield is absolutely a generous community,” she said. “I came here in July, and my husband and I have been really impressed with Springfield’s generosity.”
The organization's annual Red Kettle Drive was in danger of missing its goal in December when officials said donations in the region were nearly $10,000 short. But Albert-Watson said the community stepped up to help the organization when it was needed.
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About 10 groups helped raise money in 2017, she said, including the Springfield Fire/Rescue Division and Security National Bank.
“We really couldn’t have done it without their support,” she said.
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Drive starts in November and runs through Christmas but the donations go toward programs that help those in need all year-round. Donations given to the group go toward several programs, including music lessons and character development programs for at-risk youth and rental assistance to help prevent homelessness, among other things.
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Albert-Watson said the group plans on setting a higher goal for next year and is already looking for volunteers to help ring bells.
“It’s never too early to volunteer,” she said.
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