‘Anything helps’: The Salvation Army of Lincoln lights Christmas tree as symbol of hope

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Salvation Army of Lincoln held its annual tree lighting ceremony on Friday night to kick off holiday fundraising.

With a little more than a month until Christmas, the organization is working to raise $625,000 for families in need.

For many people, the holiday season is an added financial stress.

“Right now, we’re seeing a lot of need in the Lincoln community,” said Maj. Kelsie Moreno with The Salvation Army. “We’re absolutely relying on the generosity of those who are in a position to give.”

One Lincoln family said fundraisers like this one are more important now than ever.

“It’s really hard to understand what it’s like until you’re in that position,” Curtis Lindsey said. “When I was a kid, my mom and my dad definitely rested on the shoulders of places like The Salvation Army for toy drives.”

The easiest way to help is to drop a donation into a red kettle around town.

The kettles will be placed at businesses and U-Stop gas stations all around town for the next month.

“Anything helps,” Samantha Lindsey said. “Even if it’s like 50 cents to $1, anything helps.”

As donations pour into The Salvation Army, the lights on the tree will change from red to white. Once the $625,000 goal is reached, the tree will be fully white.