Salvation Army's Western Pennsylvania Division's Red Christmas Kettle Campaign trailing behind; Season Shortened

CARNEGIE, Pa., Dec. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Salvation Army's 28 County Western Pennsylvania Division's Red Christmas Kettle Campaign is trailing behind 2012 figures by more than $307,000.  "Most kettle campaigns aren't out in full force until Thanksgiving week, said Major William H. Bode, The Salvation Army's Western Pennsylvania Divisional Commander. "And, since the holiday fell on November 28 this year, that means we have a start six days later than last year.  This season is the latest it's been since 2002 and it means far fewer days to raise money."

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The Western Pennsylvania Division's 2013 Red Christmas Kettle Campaign goal is $2,729,030.  The Allegheny County goal is set at $687,500. Goals are based on each of the facility's individual budgets. Of 39 Salvation Army  facilities, 35 are lagging behind last year's figures.  Those that are in deficit are: Aliquippa; Allegheny Valley; Altoona; Beaver Falls; Bradford, Butler; Clearfield; Corry; Dubois; Erie; Greensburg; Greenville; Huntingdon; Indiana; Jeannette; Johnstown; Kiski Valley; Kittanning; Latrobe; McKeesport; Meadville; Monessen; New Castle; New Kensington; Punxsutawney; Ridgway;  Rochester; Sharon/Mercer; Uniontown; Washington; and Pittsburgh's Braddock,  Northside, Pittsburgh/Mt. Lebanon Temple Corps, Steel Valley/Homestead, and Westside.  "It is important for our donors to understand that our fundraising is segmented," explained Major Bode.  "That means that money raised within that community stays there to support its own residents."

Donors may also give online by logging onto www.OnlineRedKettle.org.  The Salvation Army will also allow donors to support the Christmas Campaign directly through their mobile phone.  Contributors can text the words "GIVEPGH" to 80888 to make a $10 donation to support the campaign.  The gift will appear as a charge on the donor's next mobile phone bill.  The Salvation Army also offers a free update for the iPhone virtual "Bellringer" application by logging onto bellringer.salvationarmyusa.org.  This free app enables friends and supporters of The Salvation Army to share in the tradition of being a Salvation Army bellringer by ringing a virtual bell right on their phone.

Volunteers of all kinds are desperately needed.  For more information in either volunteering at a kettle or providing a site, contact your local Salvation Army.  If you are in Allegheny County, contact Captain Kimberly DeLong at 412-446-1548.  Families are encouraged and welcomed to volunteer.  If you cannot financially support the Red Christmas Kettle Campaign or volunteer, please contribute your prayers. 

Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865.  Today, it provides critical services in 126 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 onto www.salvationarmy-wpa.org.  The Salvation Army … Doing the most good . . . for the most people . . . in the most need.

Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 126 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 onto www.salvationarmy-wpa.org, twitter.com/SalArmyPGH or facebook.com/SalvationArmyWesternPA.  The Salvation Army … Doing the most good . . . for the most people . . . in the most need.

SOURCE The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division

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