Salvation Army Western PA Division Misses Red Kettle Christmas Campaign Goal – Public Can Still Help
Salvation Army Western PA Division Misses Red Kettle Christmas Campaign Goal –Public Can Still Help
Allegheny County’s shortfall the largest at over $132K, overall divisional goal missed by over $144K
Carnegie, PA, December 20, 2016: Even more so than during previous years, the local media rallied around The Salvation Army during the last week of its Red Kettle Christmas Campaign, taking to the airwaves, to print media and to the internet to inform the public that over a million dollars was still needed in order for the Western PA Division to reach its goal. And the public responded astoundingly, donating an unprecedented last week total of $960,473. However, even with this tremendous last minute surge, unfortunately, the overall goal of $2,812,732 was missed by a total of $144,847.
The Salvation Army Red Christmas Kettle Campaign and delivery of service are segmented according to zip code. That means each facility in every community is independent of one another. Money raised within a neighborhood remains there to support social services specifically in that area. Services are provided according to the resident’s home address, minimizing duplication of service and stretching the donor dollar further. Goals for the Red Kettle Campaign are based on each community’s budget including anticipated needs.
The Salvation Army’s Allegheny County locations account for most of the shortage as compared to goal, being cumulatively $132,807 behind the county goal. Those fairing the worst in the county include Pittsburgh Temple (Dormont area), Steel Valley, Allegheny Valley and Braddock. Outside the Pittsburgh region, those ending at less than 75%, or more than $15,000 short of goal include: Erie Temple, Indiana, Oil City, Punxsutawney and Washington. Oil City is in the most need having only reached 52 percent of goal, which represents a shortage of over $40,420. In total, 18 of the 39 Salvation Army locations’goals went unmet. These areas will be re-evaluating their budgets and trying to find ways to make up for the shortage in Christmas kettle income.
Contributions can still be made via the internet at www.wpa.salvationarmy.org. Checks can be made to The Salvation Army with “Christmas Campaign”in the memo section and mailed to the facility of your choice or directly to Western Pennsylvania Divisional Headquarters at PO Box 742, 700 North Bell Avenue, Carnegie, PA 15106 and the funds will be credited back to the local community of your choice. Major Deborah Sedlar, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army’s Western PA Division commented, “The Salvation Army is grateful for every gift, no matter the size and we are truly humbled and appreciative of the generosity with which we have been blessed.”
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 128 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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