For the first time in 130 years, The Salvation Army is starting its annual holiday fundraising campaign early across the country in order to rescue Christmas. The funds raised through the organization’s iconic red kettles are at risk this year due to COVID-19 while requests for services are at an all-time high.
Based on the increase in services already provided in response to the pandemic, the organization could serve up to 155 percent more people nationwide in 2020 with Christmas assistance, including putting food on the table, paying bills, providing shelter, and helping place gifts under the tree – assuming the resources are available. Throughout the Empire State Division of The Salvation Army last year, 4.3 million meals were served. Since COVID-19 hit, it has already served 5.4 million meals in just six months.
At the same time, due to the closing of retail stores, consumers carrying less cash and coins, and the decline in foot traffic, The Salvation Army could see up to a 50 percent decrease in funds raised nationally through the red kettles, which would limit their capability to provide services for the most vulnerable. To put this in perspective, last year $3.8 million was raised across the Empire State Division through about 2,000 red kettles.
“We know that this year, the need for financial support is greater than ever before. We need your help to ensure Christmas is bright for those who need it most. We will continue to redefine what it means to Do the Most Good during these unprecedented times and we hope you will join us in rescuing Christmas for our most vulnerable friends and neighbors across New York State,” says Major Ivan Rock, State Commander for Empire State Division.
Here are some safe and simple ways you can help:
•Enlist in Love’s Army with a sustaining monthly gift of $25 per month.
•Donate digitally with Apple Pay or Google Pay at any red kettle in New York.
•Donate to the Virtual Red Kettle at http://salarmy.us/empredkettle.
•Donate through Amazon Alexa by saying, “Alexa, donate to The Salvation Army,” then specifying the amount.
•Donate physical gifts in bulk.
•Adopt additional Angels to give hope and joy to kids and families in need through The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.
Every donation provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay within the community in which they are given. Visit empire.salvationarmy.org to donate or learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army rescue Christmas this year.
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