Salvation Army forced to take creative approach with holiday fundraising

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

The Salvation Army is counting down the days until Christmas.

With a need greater than ever before due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has come up with creative ways to ensure that children and families have a good holiday.

In addition to the organization’s Red Kettle Campaign, businesses are getting involved to help rescue Christmas in the Mon Valley. 

While bell ringers have been standing at area grocery stores and door hangers have been distributed throughout communities so residents can safely contribute, businesses are collecting toys to make children’s Christmas wish lists a reality and monetary donations to ensure the Salvation Army is able to continue its community outreach programs well into 2021.

Cash collected at area businesses will directly benefit the Red Kettle campaign, which has raised $14,000 so far this year, Capt. Sue Thwaite said. 

While the organization is on target with fundraising so far, a shortage of volunteers to ring bells has made scheduling difficult and could put the goal of $60,000 in jeopardy.

So far, only four volunteers and a handful of groups have signed up to ring throughout the season.

“We are having a terrible time with volunteers,” Thwaite said. “We understand people are afraid of COVID. We can’t blame them for that, and also, with that being said, many residents have dropped donations off directly to us at our office, which we have been very thankful for.

“This year we are about 30 to 40% above the need we saw time last year and we will continue to receive calls well into December.” 

Families who need help reach out to the Salvation Army to provide “wish lists” for their children.

Those lists are distributed into the community, to residents or businesses, who help to purchase the items on each list. 

To read the rest of the story, please subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.