The Salvation Army Of Western PA Thanks The Public And the Media, As Well As Technology, For A Successful 2014 Red Kettle Christmas Campaign

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The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division

Jan 23, 2015, 07:15 ET

CARNEGIE, Pa., Jan. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Major William H. Bode, The Salvation Army's Western Pennsylvania Divisional Commander, is very grateful that divisionally, the 2014 Red Kettle Christmas Campaign exceeded its $2,487,000 goal by over $53,000. This figure was augmented by over $23,000 raised via Online Red Kettles last year. The previous year's Online Red Kettles generated only $5,685, so this line item was not included in the goals or income reported for the 2013 or 2014 campaigns.

The public's continued support this past Thanksgiving-Christmas season and all year long enabled 17,949 people throughout the 28-county division, to enjoy fellowship and a traditional holiday meal at its Thanksgiving and/or Christmas dinners. In addition, 67,522 gifts were given to people in nursing homes and hospitals over the holidays; another 112,421 gifts brightened Christmas morning for children throughout the Western PA region; and 76,381 warm winter coats, gloves, hats and other clothing were shared with those in need. All of this is made possible through the generosity of Western PA's people, giving generously not only of their hard earned money but also of their time spent volunteering at the holidays and throughout the year.

"I want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, all of the generous donors to the Red Kettle Campaign, whether they dropped some spare change in a kettle or gave more substantially online, " said Bode. "Each and every donation is appreciated, and enables The Salvation Army not only to help those who are hurting at the holidays, but also to provide critical services well into the new year." he added. Major Bode also credits the media for the campaign's success by providing timely updates on the campaign's progress and educating the public about the option of giving through Online Red Kettles. "I don't believe we would have been as successful without their (the media's) support," said Bode.

Technology is playing a bigger role not only for the Red Kettle Christmas Campaign, but for the organization as a whole. Internet giving through direct mail solicitations also increased significantly between 2013 and 2014. In 2013, through direct mail solicitations, 137 donors gave a total of $17,230. In 2014, internet giving through this outreach increased to over $78,000 through a total of 688 online gifts, meaning the average online gift was slightly over $113. The Salvation Army is hopeful that this trend will continue. "It has been our goal for the past several years to do a better job of engaging a younger demographic with The Salvation Army," said Bode. He added, "I can't say for certain that the increase in online contributions is proof that we have been successful at that, but I am hopeful that's the case."

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 wpa.salvationarmy.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