The Salvation Army Western PA Division Launches 2020 Red Kettle Campaign: Rescue Christmas
PITTSBURGH, Pa. (November 23, 2020) – When Sonja Bey recalls her family’s bare cupboards, empty refrigerator, and hollowed out freezer as the COVID-19 pandemic left them financially devastated, she can’t help but break down and cry.
“I cry because The Salvation Army filled them up and made sure we had plenty,” she said.
The Salvation Army Western PA Division continues to help those like the Bey family across 28 counties in the region, launching its 2020 Red Kettle Campaign – Rescue Christmas – this week. The Salvation Army Western PA Division is now stationing its iconic red kettles at local retailers where people can donate safely to support local feeding programs and more in the spirit of the season. The Western PA Division’s Kettle Fundraising Goal is $2.3 Million, and its goal for Allegheny County is $520,000.
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 need now is greater than ever, and every single donation – no matter the amount - has a direct impact in helping our neighbors across the region who are struggling, as there is no quarantine from hunger, from homelessness, or from poverty,” said Major Raphael Jackson, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army Western PA. “It is now more important than ever to raise funds for people in need and we ask for the community’s support – every dollar amount makes a difference, big or small.”
Click here for a video about this year’s Red Kettle Campaign: “Beyond the Red Kettle”
The Salvation Army’s Annual Red Kettle Campaign supports families and individuals in need in YOUR community with:
- Utility, Rental, and Food Assistance
- Clothing and Other Basic Needs
- Free Youth and Senior Programming
Having the loving support from her Salvation Army family not only allowed Sonja Bey to put food on the table with emergency food assistance – it also gave her the peace of mind in knowing they would get through this together as a family.
“It helped to calm my fears. The uncertainty of everything – it inspired me to keep having faith that we will get through this ride.” she said. “As long as we have food for the kids, that is all that matters.” Read Sonja’s full story here.
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, andproviding gifts and toys for children.
The Salvation Army is implementing COVID-19 safety protocols and requirements at all red kettles to ensure the health and safety of Bell Ringers and for all donors. 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