The Salvation Army In Urgent Need of Red Kettle Donations
PITTSBURGH (December 6, 2023) – The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division’s Red Kettle Campaign, which supports families and individuals across 28 counties, is underway. This annual fundraiser, which is synonymous with the Christmas season, ensures The Salvation Army can continue its critical services which include feeding programs, rent and utility assistance, seasonal assistance, youth empowerment and spiritual programs. With less than three weeks to go, the local Division of the global nonprofit is less than a third of the way to reaching its fundraising goals.
So far, the Division has raised almost $648,000 across 28 counties, almost 28 percent of the total fundraising goal of $2.345 million. The fundraising goal for Allegheny County is $547,000. So far across the county, The Salvation Army has raised an estimated $131,346, 24 percent of the total goal for Allegheny.
Rising costs of living and the increased costs of goods have driven a surge in demand for essential services provided by The Salvation Army. Nationally, total charitable giving dropped 10.5 percent in 2022, compared to 2021 when adjusted for inflation (Giving USA 2023). Locally, the Allegheny Valley (Brackenridge), Kittanning, Rochester, Uniontown and Warren locations are seeing a decline in donations this year and need the community’s increased support in funding critical, year-round services.
“With only a few short weeks left in the campaign, every dollar counts,” Major Gregory Hartshorn, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania said. “Many of our neighbors in need are walking through the doors of The Salvation Army for assistance for the first time in their lives. Your generous donation to the Red Kettle Campaign fuels our year-round efforts to provide essential services like warm meals, safe shelter and life-changing programs. Please consider giving generously to help us continue making a positive impact in Western Pennsylvania.”
Donations to the Red Kettle Campaign can be made in person at a Red Kettle location or virtually by visiting salvationarmywpa.org. New this year, donations can also be made 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.
Funds raised through the Red Kettle Campaign in our 28-county service area 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 within Allegheny County. Additional volunteer opportunities can also be found on salvationarmywpa.org/volunteer or by contacting your local Salvation Army location directly. Click here to view The Salvation Army’s volunteer video campaign Silent Night, a moving depiction of the real-world impact of our programs.
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.