Albert Lea Salvation Army volunteers will be posted outside several area businesses Friday and Saturday, seeking donations to give the organization a boost during the summer months.

Money raised from the local Salvation Army’s second annual Doughnut Days fundraiser will help offset the often increased services and lack of cash funds raised during the summer months, said local Salvation Army Capt. Jim Brickson.

This year’s goal has been set at $30,000.

Brickson said last year’s fundraiser was on the heels of the June 17 tornadoes that ripped through Freeborn County and the surrounding areas, which helped in reaching and surpassing the first-time event’s goal. A few local businesses also provided matching funds to make the event even more successful.

For this year’s fundraiser, Kwik Trip has donated coupons for people who give. Brickson said the first 500 people who donate will receive a coupon to purchase a doughnut for only 9 cents from Kwik Trip.

Volunteers will be collecting donations at various entrances at Hy-Vee, Walmart, Shopko, Nelson’s Market Place and Trail’s Travel Center for six hours Friday and eight hours Saturday. They will wear red aprons and ring bells — similar to the Red Kettle Campaign of the Christmas season. But instead of putting money into a red kettle, donors put money into a small box.

Brickson said the Salvation Army is still looking for volunteers to collect donations. Volunteers are asked to host a two-hour shift from noon through 6 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Cash donations can also be made at the Salvation Army Citadel, 302 Court St., Albert Lea.

Brickson noted that the local Salvation Army has seen an increase by 158 percent in the number of people served through the organization from 2009 to 2010.

It provides multiple services including disaster relief, after-school and summer day-care programs for children, food services, temporary shelter, rental and fuel assistance and budget counseling to help families achieve economic independence, among others.

The organization has seen a more than 100 percent increase in its volunteers.

Want to volunteer?
The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for its Doughnut Days fundraiser.
Volunteers are asked to host a two-hour slot from noon through 6 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.
People will be at Nelson’s Market Place, Hy-Vee, Walmart, Shopko and Trail’s Travel Center.
To get involved contact 373-5710.