The Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware is behind on donations. To counter this, the Salvation Army has scheduled a $20 Red Kettle Challenge day Dec. 20.
“Any decrease in holiday revenue has a direct impact on our many social service programs that serve as a lifeline to individuals and families in need,” said Lt. Colonel Larry Ashcraft, Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army of Eastern PA & DE in a press release. “Every gift helps the Salvation Army provide hope and consolation to the neediest among us.”
Each year, the Salvation Army’s bell ringers raise money with Red Kettles, often placed outside of local businesses.
Starting around Thanksgiving and continuing until Dec. 24, the fundraiser goes toward year-round services such as food, shelter, utility assistance, emergency disaster relief, and other programs offered by the Salvation Army.
The organization’s press release suggested that the shortage of donations is largely due to two factors: a shorter holiday season due to a late Thanksgiving, and the closure of various participating businesses where the Salvation Army typically sets up Red Kettles.
The Salvation Army is apparently 30% below its year-over-year 2018 donations.
“While the number of days available to us is down in 2019, the need in the community continues unabated,” said Lt. Colonel Ashcraft. “High rates of poverty, unemployment and hunger plague many of the communities we serve. Without sufficient contributions to the holiday campaign, we will be unable to provide the same level of service to families who come to us for help during difficult times.”
The Salvation Army urges people to donate through its website, send checks to their headquarters (701 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123), or donate in person at Red Kettles.
“All red kettle donations stay in the local community,” said Lt. Colonel Ashcraft. “When you give to The Salvation Army, you are providing hope to your neighbors in need.”
The Salvation Army’s tradition of using kettles to raise money dates back to the 19th Century.
Read More: How Salvation Army’s red kettles became a Christmas tradition