Starting This Friday, The Western PA Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign Begins, Ringing Out With Hope For Public's Generosity

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The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division

Nov 25, 2014, 07:15 ET

CARNEGIE, Pa., Nov. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Black Friday" is a day of hope for the nation's retailers, all aiming to reach those daunting and sometimes elusive sales goals. For The Salvation Army of Western PA, there is a much different kind of hope. The day after Thanksgiving marks the day when its 38 Worship and Service Centers, 10 Service Centers and 107 Service Units officially kick off the Annual Red Kettle Christmas Campaign in full force, continuing the Army's war on poverty. The hope, and the faith, is that hearts will be filled with the desire to help others, enabling the organization to meet its overall goal of $2,487,000. The Allegheny County goal is set at $577,000. Goals are based on each of the facility's individual budgets.

"There are many reasons why people give to The Salvation Army," said Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army's Western Pennsylvania Division, Major William H. Bode. "Perhaps a person's child was provided with Christmas gifts during a time of financial hardship, or The Salvation Army helped a friend overcome an addiction. This year we are asking people to share why they give to help spread the word about the many vital programs and services we provide." Donors can participate in The Salvation Army's new social media campaign by sharing their reason for giving on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag "#RedKettleReason". You can view Red Kettle Reasons from all across the country by visiting www.redkettlereason.org. Major Bode added, "Literally thousands of families across the division are depending on us so it is critical that we reach our goals. Donors should also know that kettle contributions raised in their community remain there to help their neighbors in need."

Volunteers bell ringers and additional kettle sites are always needed. Please contact your local Salvation Army for more information. In Allegheny County, please call Major Kim Harris at 412-446-1533. Those who want to help can also ring a virtual bell from the comfort of their own home by hosting an Online Red Kettle. It's easy to set up a kettle and ask your contacts to contribute securely online. Corporations can host company kettles and set up departments as teams to organize a fun internal competition. Conduct your own kettle campaign or donate yourself at www.OnlineRedKettle.org. For more information or help with Online Kettles, please contact Donna Fencik at 412.446.1644.

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.

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SOURCE The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division