'The need is up but help is down' Salvation Army desperately needs volunteers

PALMER — The Mat-Su Salvation Army has a very low number of volunteers collecting financial donations.

"We're in deep need for vol for bell ringing. Christmas is coming quickly," Mat-Su Salvation Army Corps Officer Major Kevin Bottjen said.

Volunteers are stationed at various locations across the Valley ringing bells in front of Red Kettles for donations. The problem is there simply isn't nearly enough volunteers to adequately meet their fundraising needs, according to Bottjen.

Bottjen said all their programs are suffering thanks to low volunteer participation and overall financial hardships many Americans are facing. He said that the overall cost of food has gone up by about 35 percent across the country.

"That adds up. It's becoming evident," Bottjen said.

The Salvation Army offers food boxes and toy donations to local families in need. According to Bottjen, there's twice as many households signing up for assistance this year. They've also received about half as many toy donations for their Angel Tree program.

"The need is up but the help is down. It's tough," Bottjen said. "A lot of people want to help- but they don't have the finances, but time is just as valuable."

The Salvation Army supports locals in various ways such as rental and utility assistance. Funds raised during the holidays goes toward their overall operations throughout the year.

"We've helped many many families from being foreclosed or evicted," Bottjen said.

Despite the harsh challenges Salvation Army faces, there is some light shining its way into their efforts. According to Bottjen, they received a surprise donation of a rare South African gold Krugerrand for the seventh year in a row.

"We are so grateful. It is absolutely amazing that someone supports us in that way. That's significant income. It brings a little bit of excitement to the season," Bottjen said. "I am always blown away by the generosity of the people of the Mat-Su Valley."

For more information about volunteering, visit mat-suvalley.salvationarmy.org.

"It's super easy. It just takes a few minutes," he said.

To enroll in the Angel Tree program, visit saangeltree.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com