LEWISTOWN — The Salvation Army certainly received some holiday cheer. In the wake of the success of the Red Kettle drive, a generous local donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, came forth to the Salvation Army with a proposition — if the organization earns $10,000 in the next two weeks, he will match it.

The Salvation Army assists more than 4.5 million people during the holiday seasons. Locally, the money raised is replenished and used to support residents with needs throughout the course of the following year. These needs can include food and emergency assistance, among other necessities. Thus, the philanthropic donor was delighted to see the money being used to fund resources and support for residents within the community and decided to take matters into his own hands.

Major Frederick Clarke of the Salvation Army in Lewistown could not have been more elated upon hearing the charitable offer.

“He (the anonymous donor) came in after the article ran and said, ‘Look, I like what you said, I like how the money stays here in town, and I want to do this.’ So, that’s where it stands … we’re pushing hard to meet that $10,000 to receive the $10,000 match,” Clarke said.

Though the clock is running out, Clarke is confident that this objective is achievable during the remaining days of this year’s campaign and is eagerly anticipating the final push to receive those altruistic funds.

“On Saturday, every location that I have will be filled (with volunteer bell ringers) … Kiwanis Club is going out on Saturday, Elks Club, Mifflin County Community Service Club … We have a lot of volunteers on that day, and that’s the day I’m looking to really push us over the top,” Clarke noted.

Inching toward the end of the campaign, Major Clarke remains hopeful to fulfill this year’s goal of $50,000 to aid locals in need.

For individuals interested in donating, stop by the red kettles at the Walmart doors or, on Saturdays, make a trip to Hobby Lobby’s kettles in Burnham to contribute. Dec. 23 marks the end of this year’s kettle efforts. Major Clarke encourages donors to stop by the Salvation Army, located at 9 South Dorcas Street in Lewistown, and make a donation in the lobby’s kettle. Food and/or monetary donations are both appreciated and able to be collected all year round. Contributions to Salvation Army kettles helps enable the organization to continue its mission of serving those in need.

To learn more about the Salvation Army, check out www.salvationarmyusa.org or a visit to the local Salvation Army office.