Western PA Salvation Army Christmas Campaign Misses Goal By More Than $680,000; Public Can Still Help

CARNEGIE, Pa., Jan. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With red kettles missing the mark by more than $450,000, the Western Pennsylvania Salvation Army Division is appealing to the public to send in their monthly mail appeal donation or give online. "In anticipation of increased need, we set our goals 20% higher than 2010," said Divisional Commander Major William H. Bode. "Although we raised $2,543,568.23 and surpassed last year's kettle totals by more than by $82,000, we still have a long way to go."  Within the 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division, $671,311.17 was donated at Walmart stores and $423,244.15 at area Giant Eagle markets.

Although the iconic red kettles are its most highly recognized fundraising tool, The Salvation Army's Christmas Campaign is actually comprised of three distinct funding streams: red kettles; direct mail appeal; social media and had a 2011 overall goal of $6,350,000.  Donors should know that red kettle dollars stay where they give. Mail appeal money stays where they live.  And social media contributions go where the donor chooses. Divisional Christmas 2010 mail appeal dollars brought in $2,662,749.73. The 2011 campaign raised $2,975,168.36 to date. The overall 2011 Salvation Army Christmas Campaign total is $5,667,736.59, which is $682,263.41 short of the targeted goal.

Internet giving, including the Pittsburgh vs. Cleveland Kettle Challenge and Fred Honsberger Memorial Kettle brought in more than $120,000. For the second consecutive year, Pittsburgh will reign victorious in the Pittsburgh vs. Cleveland Kettle Challenge by raising $5,000 more than Cleveland's $1,600. "I hope my Cleveland counterpart Major Ricardo Fernandez saved his Steelers regalia because he's going to have to wear it again," said Major Bode.

In twenty-nine of its 38 Worship and Service Centers, Red Kettle Campaign dollars did not hit their goals.  The most significant deficits are $75,737.89 in Pittsburgh's Northside and $52,824.09 at the Mt. Lebanon Pittsburgh Temple Corps. Others include, Aliquippa, Altoona, Beaver Falls, Braddock, Bradford, Butler, Clearfield, Corry, Erie, Greensburg, Indiana, Jeannette,  Kiski Valley, Kittanning, Latrobe, Meadville, Monessen, New Castle, New Kensington, Oil City, Punxsutawney, Ridgway, Rochester, Sharon/Mercer, Warren, Washington and Pittsburgh's Westside.  "We were hit hard in Allegheny County," said Major Bode. "Our eight Pittsburgh-area facilities have a combined deficit of nearly $165,000."

Kettle income was boosted by more than $29,000 thanks to Wendy's Restaurants of Western Pennsylvania and their Junior Frosty keytag promotion. Keytags were sold for just $1.00 at area Wendy's restaurants, redeemable for a full year of free Jr. Frostys. Proceeds are split and benefit both The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. Salvation Army Red Kettles account for roughly 10% to 20% of each local Worship and Service Center's budget.  In smaller communities with fewer resources, they play an even larger role in the budget. Salvation Army fundraising, including the Red 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 families specifically in that area. Social support services are provided according to the resident's home address, minimizing duplication of service and stretching the donor dollar further.

Contributions can be made via web at www.salvationarmy-wpa.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.

Major Bode concluded, "With the cold weather fast approaching I am concerned.  These funds need to meet the many and various needs of this first quarter. However, it is my prayer that the public knows The Salvation Army is grateful for every gift, no matter the size. God richly blessed us this season and we are truly humbled and appreciative." Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 124 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 onto www.salvationarmy-wpa.org.  The Salvation Army … Doing the most good . . . for the most people . . . in the most need.     

SOURCE Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division