In this week of Christmas, The Salvation Army makes final appeal for Red Kettle donations across Massachusetts

Delivering “Love Beyond” the holidays requires support now – donations are down from last year

  This week The Salvation Army’s Massachusetts Division announced that the organization is issuing a final statewide urgent appeal for donations to its 2022 Red Kettle Campaign. Charitable donations through the Massachusetts Divisions’ Red Kettles are currently down by more than 23 percent statewide compared to last year. The Division has a goal to raise $2.6 million through Red Kettles this year to serve all those in need all year long. Red Kettles and volunteers are present in high-traffic locations through Christmas Eve in most communities in Massachusetts, but supporters can also easily donate online to The Salvation Army Virtual Kettle at https://salarmy.us/MassRedKettle.

  The familiar Red Kettle campaign is in its 132^nd year, and it represents The Salvation Army’s largest annual fundraiser worldwide. Throughout this holiday season, The Salvation Army has aided thousands of people in need who still struggle with the adverse effects of the pandemic and intergenerational poverty. From distributing Thanksgiving meals and gift cards for Christmas dinner to distributing Christmas toys for children in every zip code across the state, The Salvation Army is there for those in need.

  “The lifeblood of our work is the donations provided by people in all of our communities,” said the General Secretary of The Salvation Army’s Massachusetts Division, Major Scott Kelly. “Though the Christmas season is nearing its conclusion, I truly believe that our community will propel us to our goal for this year. We are asking people with any available resources – in any amount – to please donate at a Red Kettle near you and help us deliver ‘Love Beyond’ the holiday season by fulfilling our mission for people in need year-round.”

  “Inflation and the elevated cost of living are just the latest challenge for millions of Americans – and tens of thousands of individuals and families in Massachusetts – who face the threat of poverty every day,” said the Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army in Massachusetts, Major Everett Henry. “The love and generosity of our neighbors has been with us and the people in need through a global pandemic, a persistent opioid crisis, an affordable housing shortage and more. On Thursday, December 22^nd we believe many of them will pause and take a moment to click on our virtual kettle.”

  Donations to the signature Red Kettles allow The Salvation Army to provide life-changing social services and other programs for thousands of people in Massachusetts each year. Not only are these important programs offered during the holiday season, but offerings extend throughout an entire calendar year to meet the increasing needs of those battling food insecurity and those who are struggling to pay bills.

  Operating locally for more than 135 years, The Salvation Army has relied upon its iconic Red Kettle campaign since the 1890s to provide support and services to those in need every year. The resurgence of the pandemic has put new strains on social service organizations like The Salvation Army that have worked nonstop for 18 months to fulfill heightened requests for help.

About The Salvation Army

  The Salvation Army helps more than 25 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 addiction and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,200 centers of operation around the country. During times of disaster, 100 percent of designated donations to The Salvation Army are used for immediate response and long-term efforts. In 2021, The Salvation Army was ranked No. 2 on the list of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. For more information, visit SalvationArmyMA.org – and follow The Salvation Army on Twitter @SalvationArmyMA and #DoingTheMostGood.