The Salvation Army Western PA Division Rallies for Red Kettle Donations While Facing Fundraising Challenges
PITTSBURGH, PA (December 3, 2020) –The Salvation Army Western PA Division is urging the community to donate to this year’s Red Kettle Campaign: Rescue Christmas as it faces an expected fundraising shortfall due to the many impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
So far, the division has raised $477,000 across 28 counties, about 21 percent of the total fundraising goal of $2.3 million.
The fundraising goal for Allegheny County is $520,000. So far, the county has raised $85,000, 16 percent of its total goal for Allegheny.
The current fundraising report reflects a national shortfall in Red Kettle donations that can be attributed to an increase in online shopping and a decrease in people shopping at brick and mortar stores due to the pandemic.
“If you are able to give, no matter the amount, your gift will make a difference for someone struggling.” said Major Raphael Jackson, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army Western PA Division. “While many people are choosing to shop online this year, we are making it easier than ever to give safely from the comfort of your own home by visiting our online kettle at www.salvationarmywpa.org/RescueChristmas. Every single donation is appreciated and helps us to do the most good in our region.”
Ways to Donate Today:
- Visit www.salvationarmywpa.org/RescueChristmas and donate online.
- Donate digitally with Apple Pay or Google Pay at a physical red kettle.
- Ask Amazon Alexa to donate by saying, “Alexa, donate to The Salvation Army,” then specifying the amount.
- Give any amount by texting “KETTLES” to 91999.
- With spare change and cash at a physical red kettle at your local retailer.
- Shop at Walmart and “round up” your purchase with a donation at a cash register or online.
The Salvation Army’s Annual Red Kettle Campaign supports families and individuals in need in YOUR community with services needed now more than ever:
- Utility, Rental, and Food Assistance
- Clothing and Other Basic Needs
- Free Youth and Senior Programming
The Salvation Army Western PA Division provided 256,054 meals and 72,118 food boxes during the first three months of the pandemic, equal to 70% of the total meals and 50% of the total food boxes provided throughout the twelve full months of last fiscal year.
It is estimated that we will serve up to 155% more people this year with Christmas assistance: helping to put food on the table, helping to pay their bills, offering a safe place of shelter and warmth, and providing gifts and toys for children.
Volunteer bell ringers and additional kettle sites are always needed. Please call (412) 446-1500 to contact your local Salvation Army for more information.
Celebrating over 150 years of global service as both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 127 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log on to www.wpa.salvationarmy.org. The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.
Contact:
Stephanie Rex, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division
Email | Office: (412) 446-1642 | Cell: (412) 463-2942