Help Waushara County Salvation Army reach $50,000

Last year, the Waushara County Salvation Army rang in $49,644 worth of donations in both Wautoma and Wild Rose. This year, they hope to top $50,000 when collecting for the red kettle campaign this bell-ringing season.
The Salvation Army supports those in need within Waushara County during disasters or times of emergency need. Rent, utilities, and clothing are the most common requests seen within our county. An application process helps determine the eligibility of those seeking assistance. Other than a small percentage of the donations, which helps pay for replacing equipment and other state-wide needs, the vast majority stays right here in Waushara County to help our own.
Linda Steffen, Wild Rose Kettle Coordinator, shared that in the last three years the Wild Rose campaign has helped raise between $10,000 and $12,000 the last three years.
Steffen is excited to continue some annual traditions that are a favorite among the bell ringers. “Each year, the Wildcats boys and girls basketball teams challenge each other to see who can raise the most money. They do an extraordinary job! We also have had a Bears-Packers challenge in past years, but this year it falls on a weekend when other activities are going on in Wild Rose (but we hope to resume again next year!).
Peder Culver, Wautoma Kettle Coordinator, hopes to add some fun traditions of their own. “If you have an idea, please share it with us. We would love to have a competition among businesses hosting a Counter Kettle, or perhaps an annual award to the site raising the most funds,” he suggested.

Culver has been a volunteer bell ringer for several years with his family, particularly enjoying the tradition each year with his daughter. So, when the coordinator position opened last year, he saw an obligation to help.” I always seemed to get more donations when my daughter was ringing. It’s a great family event, even for just an hour each holiday season,” Culver reflected.
“The Salvation Army is always grateful and amazed at the generosity of this county,” Steffen noted.
So why not add supporting your local community to your list of hometown traditions with the family this holiday season? More groups, organizations, businesses, or churches are needed to help fill a day (10 spots) or half a day (5 spots). If you are interested in ringing the bell this holiday season, reach out to Peder Culver at 920-570-2872 (Wautoma) or Linda Steffen at 920-765-0303 (Wild Rose). Individually, you can go to registertoring.com and find openings for our location at Wautoma Pick ‘n Save.
Without bell ringers like you, the kettles don’t fill up!
Wautoma Bell Ringing Locations: Ringing every day, except Sundays, at Pick ‘n Save. Organizers are hoping to have a few floating locations on Fridays and Saturdays, as well.
Wild Rose Bell Ringing Locations: Benny’s Market and the Wild Rose C-Store (Amoco Station).