ALTOONA, Pa. (WJAC) -- The Salvation Army's iconic Red Kettle Campaign is a fixture of the holiday season. Bell ringers wait outside popular stores for donations to help those within the community.
This year, Salvation Army representatives from the region said a late start has them well-behind where they normally in fundraising this time of year.
The campaign is the non-profits largest fundraiser, helping them provide social services, meals and support for the needy year-round. Altoona's Red Kettle Campaign kicked off Nov. 12 outside Walgreen’s pharmacy on plank road.
Salvation Army pastor Larry Fulmer said on the same day kettles opened at Hobby Lobby and Staples. He said kettles at larger stores, like Walmart and Sam’s Club, opened on Thanksgiving Day, but because the holiday came late this year, Fulmer said Altoona is off-track by about $22,000.
He said last year at this time they had collected almost $80,000, but so far this year they’ve collected just over $40,000.
Capt. Erin Smullen said fundraising in Johnstown is behind by over $10,000. They have a goal to raise $104,000 this year and their total sits at just over $39,000.
Fulmer said the more the organization receives, the more they can help.
“All the funds that are raised through our red kettle campaign goes toward our annual budget and without hitting that goal it will put us back of some things that we could provide for the community,” he said. “My hope is that the community will come alongside of us so we can continue to meet those needs in our area.”
The Salvation Army Altoona has a $110,000 goal for this year. Fulmer said he's hopeful the donations will come to help them close the gap.
He said The Salvation Army does accept donations from larger organizations and wherever you donate, all the money stays within the community.
In Johnstown, checks can be sent to PO Box 968 or hand-delivered to The Salvation Army office at 576 Vine Street.
In Altoona, donations can be hand delivered to The Salvation Army church at 1813 6th Ave.
For more information on donations to the nonprofit in Altoona, you can reach the office by calling (814) 942-8104.
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