BROOKINGS – An anonymous donor is challenging individuals to donate $20 bills to the Brookings Salvation Army Red Kettles on Saturday matching those donations up to $2,000. Those interested in participating in the $20 bill challenge can donate at the red kettles at Hy-Vee, Walmart, and JCPenney.

Donations to the Brookings Salvation Army support the annual Share the Warmth coat and winter clothing distribution, vouchers for emergencies, laundry and personal hygiene kits, and other services. 

“So far this year we have raised just short of $30,000 of our $50,000 goal thanks to the generosity of the Brookings community, and this wonderful match opportunity could help us come even closer to our goal,” Nicole Biever of the Brookings Salvation Army Board said.

Volunteers interested in ringing bells for the Brookings Salvation Army still can sign up to do so.  “Bell-ringing is such a fulfilling experience,” Biever said. “You might think that it would be a difficult job, but the people of Brookings are so generous. When you see how eagerly and often people give to the kettles or when people stop to share a story about what Salvation Army means to them, it fills your cup.”

Those interested in volunteering to ring bells can learn more by calling 211, visiting the Brookings Salvation Army page on Facebook, or emailing BrookingsSalvationArmy@gmail.com.  Those interested in donating online can do so by texting “Brookings” to 71777 to access the online red kettle.