As Chicagoans geared up to face a less frigid week after a bout of brutal cold, local charities, like the Salvation Army, grappled with the impact of the recent freeze on holiday giving. According to WGN-TV, the icy blast had led the Blue Island Salvation Army to halt their bell ringers from weekend duty for fear of risking their health in the extreme weather, a move underscoring the reality that not all could find solace from the sharp chill.
The city, accustomed to the midwinter harshness, however saw signs of a reprieve as NBC Chicago forecasted a gradual warm-up with temperatures expected to reach the 30s and 40s, yet the uptick arrives not without the caveat of gusty winds and snow which might morph into showers late Wednesday into Thursday, and though it will brighten on Tuesday we must not overlook that by the end of the week a "strong cold front" will have us reaching for our coats yet again.
Lieutenant Dustin Norcross of the Blue Island Salvation Army, cognizant of the correlation between the mercury's dip and the downtick in donations, was resolute, saying, "If I wouldn't do it, I'm not going to put my people at risk," he told WGN-TV. While the elements proved themselves an opponent to the seasonal drives for charity, there lingered hope amongst the volunteers and organizers that the community would rally to close the gap now that a more tolerable climate hovers on the horizon.
As forecasted by NBC Chicago's Storm Team, Chicago is anticipated to witness brighter conditions soon, a possibility that may bring forth more foot traffic downtown and, with it, a chance for charities to recoup some of those lost contributions from the weekend's cold snap allowing community-based initiatives, such as food pantries and meals for seniors, to flourish from these much-needed funds that the Blue Island division of the Salvation Army continue to work towards their $100,000 goal, remaining optimistic despite being only 70% of the way there.
For those inclined to give, options remain available beyond the physical kettles: donations can be made online or by phone to the Salvation Army in Blue Island, with assurance that contributions stay within the local community, as confirmed by Lieutenant Norcross, who stated, "All the funds sent to us stays local, everything we receive. We support the south suburbs. It stays in the community."
