Update 12/16/14 12:00 pm:
The stolen kettle was found in the Battlefield Mall parking lot, and it was empty.
The kettle was taken on Saturday after a man who appeared to be in his 60s approached a bell ringer. He told her he was a volunteer and that he was familiar with Salvation Army policies. The same person stopped by the kettle earlier in the day and offered the ringer a sandwich and drink.
According to a Salvation Army news release, it’s estimated that about $700 had been in the kettle based on amounts from previous days.
Since Saturday night, the Salvation Army has received reports of the same man approaching multiple locations trying to get ringers away from the kettles. They all described him as in his 60s with white hair, about 5’10” and driving a white pickup truck. At times he had a man with him who looked to be in his 20s.
If you have any information, you’re asked to call Springfield Police at 864-1810.
The Tree of Lights Campaign is The Salvation Army’s single largest fundraising campaign. This year the goal for the season is $1,000,000.00.