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(Des Moines, IA) -- The Salvation Army in Des Moines is trying to raise $1.3 million this Christmas season. Major Butch Frost says the funds are needed to support the many services offered to needy families. He says demand has been continually growing, citing a 164% increase in demand at Salvation Army food pantries in central Iowa this year. He says most patrons are working, but are having trouble making ends meet due to inflation.
Major Frost is asking for volunteer bell ringers, to spend a shift or two collecting donations at red kettles throughout the Des Moines area.
The Salvation Army has three social services centers in the Des Moines area. There's also a mobile social services center, which is a bus donated by DART, which has food, and personal items. The bus travels to locations in Polk, Story, Dallas, and Warren counties.
The Des Moines Salvation Army will provide toys to over 2,000 area children this Christmas season.