Red Kettle Campaign to hit Western Pennsylvania
With a program as synonymous with Christmas as Santa Claus, the Salvation Army is getting ready to launch its annual Red Kettle Campaign as many volunteers prepare to hit the shopping centers with their bells and holiday cheer.
According to Nicole Harrell, director of marketing and public relations for the Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division, Butler County is looking to raise more than $90,000 this holiday season.
The nonprofit said it aims to raise more than $2.3 million across 28 counties in Western Pennsylvania through the program.
"This Wednesday, there are going to be a lot of volunteers out at local retailers for people doing their last minute grocery shopping,“ Harrell said.
Harrell said that the goal for Butler County this year is to raise $92,000 or more, all of which will stay within the local Butler communities.
Last year, Harrell said Butler County raised about $87,000 from its Red Kettle Campaign.
Donations to the Red Kettle Campaign can be made in person at a Red Kettle location or online at salvationarmywpa.org.
The Salvation Army is also rolling out text donations, which can be done by texting the word “Kettle” to 31333. Donors can then reply with their Zip code to make sure their donations go back to the community where they reside.
"That's a new thing this year,“ Harrell said. ”It can go right to where you're living which is the whole concept of the Red Kettle in that we are raising money for our neighbors in need."
The Red Kettle Campaign aims to ensure the Salvation Army can continue its services that include feeding programs, rent and utility assistance, seasonal assistance, youth empowerment and spiritual programs.
“Donations to our Red Kettle Campaign allow us to continue serving those in need long after the Christmas season,” Major Gregory Hartshorn, divisional commander for the Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania, said. “Our work would be impossible without the generosity of the community.
“We express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for helping the Salvation Army make a profound difference in the lives of families and individuals across Western Pennsylvania."
Volunteers to ring the iconic bells alongside the Red Kettles are needed as well, and those in Butler County who are looking to help out can visit salvationarmywpa.org/volunteer or contact their Salvation Army directly.
Butler’s Salvation Army office can be reached by calling 724-287-5532.
The Red Kettle Campaign will be accepting donations all the way through Dec. 24.
