The Red Kettle Christmas Campaign isn’t seeing as much green as the Salvation Army would like in Western Pennsylvania.
According to the nearly 150-year-old charity, 24 of the 39 Worship and Service Centers are trailing behind last year’s pace. Allegheny County is off by more than $37,500. The charity hopes to raise $577,000 in the county.
Major William Bode, divisional commander of the Salvation Army’s Western Pennsylvania Division, said the popularity of online shopping could be one reason for lag in donations.
“We are hopeful that many more will come alongside of us in helping our neighbors in need this holiday season and beyond,” he said. “It's important for people to realize when they give to a kettle in their community, the money stays there to help area residents.”
Pittsburgh’s Allegheny Valley, Steel Valley and Westside centers are also off pace this year.
In 2013, the Salvation Army missed its Western Pennsylvania goal by about $320,000, bringing in more than $2.7 million. The charity said unusually cold weather and a lack of volunteers were to blame.
This year, the charity is hoping to raise $2,487,000.
The Salvation Army accepts online donations and said people can start their own red kettles online.
