The current economic climate is being attributed to the decline in donations for The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign in Connecticut.
Online shopping continues to impact foot traffic, and fewer people are carrying cash. This season, the iconic Salvation Army red kettles are accepting Venmo and PayPal as alternatives to those not carrying cash.
The Salvation Army’s goal in Connecticut is one million dollars. Currently, The Salvation Army is $120,000 off of their pace from last year, leaving over $500,000 to be raised by Christmas Eve on Saturday.
Kettle income supports a variety of programs and services in Connecticut, including food pantries, shelters, emergency assistance, summer camp programs, school readiness, after school programs, as well as holiday assistance taking place in communities across the state.
Major Debra Ashcraft, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army in Southern New England said, “The Salvation Army’s Red Kettles represent all that’s good about Christmas and the tradition of giving to those less fortunate than ourselves. I’m making a personal plea to you during this critical time. Please take a moment to help local families near you struggling to get through this season. I believe we can light up Christmas morning and make the days beyond more merry and bright!”
At The Salvation Army, 85 cents of every dollar that is donated goes back to programs that serve the hungry, homeless, frail, and lonely. The money raised not only helps during the Holidays, but also sustains vital programs and services throughout the year. When you hear the bell and you see a Red Kettle, please be as generous as you can be!
Nationally, more than 30 million Americans are served by The Salvation Army each year.
To donate:
Please donate when you see a Salvation Army Red Kettle
Give online: https://salarmy.us/SNERedKettle
Text GIVECT to 71777
Mail checks to your local Salvation Army or to our main office:
The Salvation Army Southern New England Division
855 Asylum Avenue
Hartford, CT 06105
For more info:
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army annually helps nearly 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit ctri.SalvationArmy.org SalvationArmyUSA.org.