Donations Down: The Salvation Army Needs Community Support
PITTSBURGH (December 11, 2024) – The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign supports families and individuals in need across 28 counties in Western Pennsylvania. However, with less than two weeks to go, the local arm of the global nonprofit has only raised a little over one third of the fundraising goal. So far this Christmas season, The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division has received more than $821,496 in donations, which adds up to 35 percent of the total fundraising goal of $2.34 million. In Allegheny County the Red Kettle fundraising goal is $557,000. So far, The Salvation Army has raised an estimated $210,028 across the county, which is 38 percent of the total goal.
The Salvation Army’s iconic sights and sounds of Christmas bells and Red Kettles are synonymous with the season of giving. Funds raised from now until December 24 ensure The Salvation Army can continue critical services including feeding initiatives, rent and utility assistance, seasonal assistance, youth empowerment and spiritual programs. Locally, some Salvation Army locations are seeing a drastic decline in donations. The Salvation Army Worship and Service Centers in Butler, Johnstown, Latrobe, McKeesport, Mon Valley, New Kensington, Steel Valley (Homestead) and Warren need the community’s increased support in funding critical, year-round services. Severe snowstorms have also had a significant impact on the communities of Erie and Meadville, Pa.
Since 1891, the iconic Red Kettle has been a symbol of hope and generosity. A Salvation Army captain, determined to feed San Francisco's impoverished on Christmas Day, placed a pot at a busy ferry landing, encouraging passers-by to “Keep the Pot Boiling” by tossing in a coin or two to help provide a meal for those in need. Today donations to the Red Kettle Campaign can be made in person at Red Kettle locations around the world and locally throughout Western Pennsylvania. Now, local gifts can also be given virtually at any time by visiting salvationarmywpa.org or by texting the word “Kettle” to 31333. Donors can then reply with their ZIP code to ensure each donation goes directly back into the community where they reside.
“Christmas Eve, the last day to drop a donation in a Red Kettle, is fast-approaching,” Major Gregory Hartshorn, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania said. “A late Thanksgiving this year means we lost a few critical fundraising days. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has already made a generous donation. Together, let’s make this Christmas season bright for those who need it most. With your help, The Salvation Army can continue to show that help and hope exist for all who need it, all year long.”
Funds raised through the Red Kettle Campaign benefit families and individuals where we live, making it possible for The Salvation Army to deliver life-changing programs and services throughout the year. The Salvation Army would like to thank its Allegheny County Red Kettle Kickoff Sponsor PNC Bank.
Volunteers to ring bells alongside the iconic Red Kettles are also a critical part of the annual campaign. Visit RegistertoRing.com to find a shift and a location or contact your local Salvation Army location directly.
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 134 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, visit salvationarmywpa.org. The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.