The Salvation Army says this year’s “Red Kettle” campaign got off to a slow start and the annual fundraiser’s total is far behind where it was expected to be at this point in the season. The financial support from the community supports The Salvation Army’s efforts to help more than 225,500 people across upstate New York.
Right now, The Salvation Army says it is 24 percent behind where it was last year, at a time when needs are even greater. “Red Kettle” donations fund the majority of The Salvation Army’s year-round programs, including warming centers for the homeless, anti-human trafficking programs, counseling for domestic abuse victims, after-school programs for children and helping families escape poverty by addressing unemployment, unstable housing and lack of education.
There are five fewer days this year for bell ringers to collect donations at the iconic Red Kettles, because of the late Thanksgiving. State Commander, Major Ivan Rock, says that’s a big part of the problem and a slow “Red Kettle” campaign could lead to dire consequences.
To help fill the gap, The Salvation Army is launching a couple of new promotions this week. On Thursday, law enforcement officers will help ring the bells at Kettle locations across upstate New York during the “Bells & Badges” event. On Friday, The Salvation Army is asking neighbors to donate a $20 bill, check, bump or scan at the Red Kettles to help them close out the season successfully.
Rock, says, “This isn’t just about our bottom line. It’s about transforming lives. It’s about providing hope where there is none. It’s about the look we see in a child’s face when they see the love that comes from the entire community.”
– Submitted by The Salvation Army
