CARNEGIE -The weather can cause many issues for many people, and for The Salvation Army, it has been hindering reaching campaign goals for its annual Red Kettle Christmas Campaign throughout the western Pennsylvania Division.
More and more people are shopping online and not passing by the iconic red kettles, and the fact that many people no longer carry cash also contributes to the shortfall.
“There is no doubt that western Pennsylvanians care about the welfare of their neighbors who are hurting. We’ve been blessed thus far to raise over $1.7 million. However, goals are set based on the needs in each community and the needs are great. We need another $1.1 million to meet the combined goal for entire 28-county division and we’re quickly approaching the end of the campaign,” said Major Deborah Sedlar, Divisional Commander of The Western Pennsylvania Salvation Army.
“Last year we raised over $620,000 during the last week of the campaign. I pray that people will continue to be inspired by the spirit of giving this Christmas and help us do even better (this year) so that the most vulnerable among us can have their needs met and be provided with a sense of hope.”
Nearly every one of the 39 Salvation Army locations throughout the division is reporting fundraising totals that are behind as compared with the same period last year.
Particularly struggling, at less than 50 percent of their goal are: Beaver Falls, Bradford, Indiana, Oil City and Punxsutawney; and in Allegheny County, The Pittsburgh Temple and Steel Valley locations.
“Please know that when you support The Salvation Army, your support stays local to help your neighbors and your community. The Salvation Army has long been recognized as one of the world’s most effective and efficient charities, with roughly 82 of every dollar going to direct assistance,” reminded Major Tom Lyle, the Salvation Army’s Allegheny County coordinator.
“I am hopeful that those in and around the Pittsburgh area and throughout the division will give what they can to help us reach our goals, and that they will remember the less fortunate in their prayers as well.”
If you don’t pass by an iconic red kettle, you can give online at: wpa.salvationarmy.org or from your mobile phone by texting: GIVEWPA to 71777 to receive a link to donate any amount of your choosing with a credit card over our secure site.
To help even more, individuals, corporations, clubs, service organizations, and even school classrooms are all being encouraged to set-up their own online kettles.
For more information on how to set up an online kettle, please contact Divisional Director of Fundraising, Lauren Brant at 412-446-1644 or lauren.brant@use.salvationarmy.org.
Celebrating 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 127 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, log on to www.wpa.salvationarmy.org The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.