The Salvation Army Kicks Off Red Kettle Campaign in Western Pennsylvania
PITTSBURGH (November 18, 2024) – The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division is proud to launch this year’s Red Kettle Campaign, the annual fundraiser supporting families and individuals across 28 counties, in spectacular fashion! To kick off the season, The Salvation Army’s New York Staff Band, renowned for their exceptional brass band performances nationwide and around the world, will be traveling to Pittsburgh as this year’s featured performer at the City of Pittsburgh’s tree lighting downtown on Saturday, November 23. The 35-member band will perform a live concert featuring classic Christmas carols counting down to the lighting of the tree. Donations to the Red Kettle Campaign will be accepted at Red Kettle locations throughout downtown Pittsburgh during the evening’s festivities.
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. The Salvation Army’s goal is to raise $2,342,000 across 28 counties in Western Pennsylvania and to raise $557,000 in Allegheny County.
To kick off the campaign nationally, country music star Lainey Wilson will headline The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show during the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game against the New York Giants, airing on Fox. Walmart, one of The Salvation Army’s legacy corporate partners, will be allowing Red Kettles to be stationed outside stores five days prior to Thanksgiving.
Donations to the Red Kettle Campaign can be made in person at Red Kettle 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. 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.
“As we approach this critical time of year, we would like to take a moment to thank the community for generously supporting The Salvation Army over the years,” Major Gregory Hartshorn, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania said. “Every donation helps bring hope and stability to our neighbors who need it most — not just during Christmas, but also throughout the entire year.”
Volunteers to ring bells alongside the iconic Red Kettles are also a critical part 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 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.