As Salvation Army in Racine celebrates generous donations, Salvation Army in Milw. hoping for Christmas miracle

MILWAUKEE/RACINE (WITI) -- As one Salvation Army branch celebrates a generous donation, another is asking the community for support this Christmas.

The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County is $60,000 behind its goal in its annual Red Kettle Campaign.

The Salvation Army of Racine was down $50,000 -- before some generous donations were received.

"Last week, we were really kind of down. It looked like we were going to miss the goal by a good margin," Ken Nicolai with the Salvation Army of Racine said.

In times of uncertainty though, there are gestures that can turn everything around.

"We were just amazed by the turnout in the community -- the people who care about their neighbors in need," Nicolai said.

There is relief among those with the Salvation Army of Racine following some donations that came just in time.

"This is a true Christmas miracle. It couldn't have been a better Christmas gift," Nicolai said.

This past Saturday, December 20th, more than $17,000 was raised, and S.C. Johnson double matched the amount.

"It just brought so much relief and happiness to us," Nicolai said.

Days later, a diamond ring was donated.

"How much better can it get?  It's like the icing on the cake," Nicolai said.

As folks with the Salvation Army in Racine celebrate, folks with the Salvation Army of Milwaukee County say they're $60,000 behind their goal -- putting eight critical programs in jeopardy.

"We're very hopeful. There's still time. People are still generous," Faithe Colas with the Salvation Army of Milwaukee County said.

The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County is counting on last-minute donations.

"People understand the great need that others in this community have. There's something in the human spirit that comes out when you have to get something done," Colas said.

CLICK HERE to make a donation to the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign.

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