Local Red Kettle donations to benefit The Salvation Army are halfway to the goal. But there’s still time to volunteer and donate.
“The Pittsburgh North Boroughs location alone has a local fundraising goal of $115,000 and they are close to 50% of reaching that goal, which is positive to see,” said Nicole Harrell, spokesperson for the Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division.
But the latest finance report for the division comparing year over year, as of Dec. 7, 2023, to Dec. 7, 2024, shows that donations are down, which is to be expected in comparison.
“Across all 28 counties we serve in Western Pennsylvania, we are only 35% of our goal and our Allegheny County locations are 38% to their fundraising goal of $557,000,” Harrell said.
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign traditionally kicks off on Thanksgiving. Because this year’s Thanksgiving was the latest it possibly can be, the organization lost a few critical days of fundraising, Harrell said.
Walmart, one of The Salvation Army’s largest partners, allowed people to ring bells at the stores a few days earlier this year, she said.
“We also had the opportunity to participate in the city of Pittsburgh’s tree lighting on Nov. 23, and we had Red Kettles stationed throughout downtown collecting donations during the evening’s festivities,” she said.
Donations to the Red Kettle Campaign remain in the community where they are given and make it possible for the Salvation Army to deliver programs and services throughout the year. Red Kettle donations ensure the Salvation Army can continue critical feeding programs, rent and utility assistance, seasonal assistance, youth empowerment and spiritual programs for families in the community, according to Harrell.
“The last day of the Red Kettle Campaign is Christmas Eve,” she said. “It is definitely not too late to volunteer and donate. We are so grateful for the support.”
Red Kettle ringers are stationed throughout the local area. Donors can also give by texting the word “Kettle” to 31333. Community members can then reply with their ZIP code and contribute directly to their local Salvation Army. Donations can be made via credit card, bank account, PayPal and Venmo through an online fundraising platform.
The local Virtual Red Kettle link is salarmy.us/NorthBoroughsKettle.
Individual volunteers can sign up for shifts as short as two hours. Group volunteers are welcome to register for an entire day and can rotate shifts throughout their time slot, Harrell said. Visit RegistertoRing.com to find a shift and a location.
For those looking to help in North Boroughs territory, “We do still need volunteers,” said Lt. Kelly Melfi, pastor/corps officer, USA Eastern Territory.
She said for Red Kettlel ringer opportunities local to North Allegheny, contact Tylar Melfi of the North Boroughs branch at 412-290-5194.
For Allison Park Service Unit bell ringers, contact Harriet Klatte at hzdlatte@nhco.org.
Additional volunteer opportunities can be found at easternusa.salvationarmy.org/western-pennsylvania/volunteer-in-western-pa or by contacting the local Salvation Army location directly through easternusa.salvationarmy.org/western-pennsylvania/north-boroughs.
