Western PA Salvation Army Red Christmas Kettle Campaign Misses Goal; Public Can Still Help

CARNEGIE, Pa., Jan. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Every Christmas, thousands of families rely on The Salvation Army for a happier holiday.  Although the 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division's 2013 human services statistics have not yet been tallied, 2012 saw more than 795,000 items,  including food, clothing and gifts, lovingly distributed to deserving recipients.  2013 numbers, so far, appear to be trending higher.

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 With 24 of its 39 facilities in deficit, the Western Pennsylvania Salvation Army Division has missed its Red Christmas Kettle Campaign goal by slightly more than $320,000. The 2013 bar was set at $2,729,030.99 but only achieved a total of $2,408,983.09.  "Although we missed our goal, things could have been far worse," said Divisional Commander Major William H. Bode. He explained, "During the final week of our Red Christmas Kettle Campaign, the public generously rallied to our appeals for help." The 2012 goal was set at $2,827,216.99 and generated a Divisional total of $2,553,893.38.  Contributing factors to the 2013 season deficit include unusually cold weather, a lack of volunteers and a shortened kettle season due to a late date Thanksgiving holiday.

The most significant deficits of more than $30,000 are in Altoona, Braddock, Johnstown and Latrobe. Others include, Aliquippa, Allegheny Valley, Beaver Falls, Bradford, Corry, Dubois, Erie, Greenville, Huntingdon, Jeannette, Kiski Valley, Meadville, Monessen, New Castle, New Kensington, Punxsutawney, Ridgway, Washington and Pittsburgh's Steel Valley/Homestead, and Westside.  Allegheny County overall had a cumulative goal miss at more than $66,000.

The Salvation Army Red Christmas Kettle Campaign, and delivery of service are segmented according to zip code.  That means each facility in every community is independent of one another. Money raised within a neighborhood remains there to support families specifically in that area. Social support services are provided according to the resident's home address, minimizing duplication of service and stretching the donor dollar further.

Major Bode concluded, "The Salvation Army is grateful for every gift, no matter the size and we are truly humbled and appreciative of the generosity."  Contributions can still be made via web at www.salvationarmywpa.org.  Checks can be made to The Salvation Army with "Christmas Campaign" in the memo section and mailed to the facility of your choice or directly to Western Pennsylvania Divisional Headquarters at PO Box 742, 700 North Bell Avenue, Carnegie, PA 15106 and the funds will be credited back to the local community of your choice.

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.                                                            

SOURCE The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division

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