Red Kettle Countdown: The Salvation Army Needs to Raise More Than $2 Million by Christmas
PITTSBURGH (December 3, 2025) – Christmas Eve is fast-approaching, but The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division is in need of donations and volunteers to support the annual Red Kettle Campaign. The Salvation Army has reached less than a third of the fundraising goal set to support neighbors in need across Western Pennsylvania. So far, The Salvation Army has raised $652,495 across 28 counties in Western Pennsylvania, roughly 28 percent of the $2,303,000 goal. More than $1.6 million still needs to be raised before Christmas Eve to maintain critical social services in the new year. In Allegheny County, The Salvation Army has raised $154,419, about 29 percent of the $527,000 fundraising goal.
The Salvation Army serves as a critical safety net, providing warm meals, emergency rental and utility assistance and food throughout the year. Every donation made to the Red Kettle Campaign stays local in the community where it is collected. As economic hardship deepens for families across the region, the demand for The Salvation Army's services is soaring. Thousands of working families and individuals are struggling to put food on their tables and heat their homes.
“This is the most critical time of the year for our organization and the funds raised now determine our ability to serve in the new year,” Major Marcus Jugenheimer, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania said. “The holidays are a joyful time, but for many it is a time of isolation and tough financial decisions. Your support today will help us provide hope to those who need it most.”
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 in 2026. Locally, some Salvation Army locations are seeing a drastic decline in donations year-over-year. The Salvation Army community centers in Butler, Clearfield, McKeesport and Meadville, Pennsylvania are in urgent need of increased community support.
The Salvation Army’s iconic sights and sounds of Christmas bells and Red Kettles are synonymous with the season of giving. Donations to the Red Kettle Campaign can be made in person at locations throughout Western Pennsylvania or virtually by visiting salvationarmywpa.org. Gifts can also be given at any time 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.
Volunteers are critical to the success of the annual campaign. On average, volunteer bell ringers raise $80-$100 over the course of one two-hour shift, which can provide up to 200 meals to those in need. Visit RegistertoRing.com to find a shift or contact your local Salvation Army location directly. The Salvation Army is grateful for the continued support of its Allegheny County Red Kettle Kickoff Sponsor, PNC Bank, whose partnership helps launch this essential annual campaign.
Celebrating 160 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.