Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania Needs To Raise Over $1.5 Million In Less Than Two Weeks To Meet Division's Red Kettle Christmas Campaign Goal

CARNEGIE, Pa., Dec. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While it's typical for about 50 to 55 percent of the total amount of money raised during the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Christmas Campaign is collected during the two weeks just preceding Christmas, there is concern among the leadership of The Western Pennsylvania Division regarding whether or not the goal of $2,730,000 will be met this year.  "With currently being at only 42 percent of the overall goal, and about $79K down from the same period last year, reaching our goal this year is going to require a big outpouring of support from the community between now and Christmas,"  said Major Deborah Sedlar, the Western PA Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army.  "However, I have faith in the generosity of Western Pennsylvanians.  When times are tough for their neighbors, I've witnessed the caring nature and sense of community demonstrated by our area's residents in many situations in the past." 

Literally hundreds of thousands of Western Pennsylvanians are assisted by The Salvation Army each year during times of crisis.  The programs and services provided, not only at Christmas but throughout the year, and funded in large part by the Red Kettle Christmas Campaign.  "When you drop money in a Salvation Army Kettle in your community, that money is used in your community for your neighbors in need," reminded Major Tom Lyle, The Salvation Army's Allegheny County Coordinator.  "I'm asking area residents and businesses alike to please give what they can, including their prayers.  The Braddock and Pittsburgh Westside Salvation Army locations in the Pittsburgh area are furthest behind their goals at 22 percent and 38 percent of their respective goals."  He added.  Other areas in the division currently at less than 30 percent of their goal include Bradford, Franklin, Greenville, New Castle, Punxsutawney and Warren.    

If you don't pass by an iconic red kettle, you can give online at:  wpa.salvationarmy.org or redkettlereason.org.  To help even more, individuals, corporations, clubs, service organizations, and even school classrooms are all being encouraged to set-up their own online kettles.  For more information on how to set up an online kettle, please contact Divisional Director of Fundraising, Lauren Brant at 412.446.1644 or lauren.brant@use.salvationarmy.org. 

Celebrating over 150 years of global service as both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865.  Today, it provides critical services in 129 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 on to www.wpa.salvationarmy.org  The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.

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SOURCE The Salvation Army Western PA Division