Salvation Army Christmas fundraising exceeded expectations

HANNIBAL, Mo. – Thanks to fundraising efforts through the Hannibal Salvation Army, 1,519 Northeast Missouri children received Christmas gifts in conjunction with Toys for Tots and 788 families received a box containing a full holiday meal. 

Eddie and Tracy Lennox were the 2023 Christmas Campaign Chairs. Eddie Lennox revealed on Monday that the total raised was $125,541, exceeding their goal of $122,000 by $3,541. 

Funds were raised through the Tree of Lights Christmas Campaign, which is the Salvation Army’s major fundraiser each year that reaches six counties including Marion, Ralls, Monroe, Pike, Lewis and Shelby.

Lennox said Hannibal and the surrounding communities stepped up to help those in need during an especially challenging time.

“With the financial difficulties that we were having in the area–I mean, it’s been a long time since it’s been this tough, it says a lot about our communities,” Lennox said. 

Lennox said not only did the donated funds exceed expectations but volunteers did too.

“I saw a lot of new faces this year. People were ringing bells who I have never seen before and I’ve been doing that for a long time,” he said.

Just as the needs of the community continue all year long, the fundraising efforts continue at the Salvation Army. The next fundraiser will be Unmasking the Singer. To learn more about the event For more information, contact Douglas at 217-231-5647 or Chad.Douglas@USC.SalvationArmy.org. 

To learn more about the Hannibal Salvation Army follow them on Facebook.