Forty Years of Warmth! WTAE-TV’s project Bundle-Up Telethon Airs Dec. 5
PITTSBURGH (November 24, 2025) – The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division and WTAE Channel 4 are proud to present the annual telethon benefiting WTAE-TV’s project Bundle-Up. This year, the telethon will celebrate forty years of this joint venture between The Salvation Army and WTAE-TV. Viewers can tune in to see special guests throughout the day, including Pittsburgh legends from the past and present. Watch live on WTAE Channel 4 beginning at 5 a.m. and concluding at 8 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025.
Viewers can donate by calling 412-243-6000 or by texting “BUNDLEUP” to 31333. Donations can also be made on projectbundleup.org or wtae.com. All proceeds from this telethon will directly support WTAE-TV's project Bundle-Up, a program that provides NEW winter outerwear to children up to age 18 and adults over the age of 62 in need across 28 counties in Western Pennsylvania.
“In honor of this milestone—celebrating forty years of this partnership—we have some incredible surprises in store for viewers,” said Charles W. Wolfertz III, President and General Manager of WTAE Channel 4. “WTAE-TV’s project Bundle-Up has become a beloved tradition, and we look forward to continuing this impact for generations to come. Together, let’s make sure no one in our community is left in the cold.”
WTAE-TV’s project Bundle-Up was created in 1986 by the late former Vice-President and General Manager Fred Barber, the late Chief Meteorologist Joe DeNardo, and Salvation Army Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. Watson. Each winter, WTAE-TV’s project Bundle-Up provides coats, boots, gloves and hats for an average of 5,000 children and seniors. Since its inception in 1986, WTAE-TV’s project Bundle-Up has raised nearly $18 million, providing more than 315,000 children and seniors with NEW winter outerwear across Western Pennsylvania.
For many participating children and older adults, the experience of WTAE-TV’s project Bundle-Up is the first opportunity they have ever had to shop for something brand NEW for themselves. Dedicated corporate and community volunteers ensure that the experience is not just about receiving new items but also about creating meaningful, positive experiences that participants will remember for years to come. Annual highlights include surprise shopping trips with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins and talent from WTAE-TV.
“Forty years is a monumental achievement, and we are incredibly grateful for this continued partnership with WTAE and for the community's ongoing support,” Major Marcus Jugenheimer Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania said. “It is about so much more than a new coat or a pair of boots. The individuals served through this program truly feel cared for and loved. Four decades is truly a testament to the generosity of Western Pennsylvania and we are so thankful for every individual who has supported WTAE-TV’s project Bundle-Up over the years. Let’s keep this momentum going for another four decades.”
WTAE-TV’s project Bundle-Up would like to thank Peoples Natural Gas for coming on board as the program’s new Lead Partner. This critical partnership will fuel efforts to provide warmth. Visit projectbundleup.org to learn how you can contribute.
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.