The Salvation Army in Vancouver is calling on the community for help after experiencing a significant decrease in donations this holiday season.
The organization launches its Red Kettle Campaign during the holidays, when volunteers ring bells outside of major grocers and businesses to encourage charitable giving.
However, this year, donations are down 30 percent across the nonprofit’s Northwest division, which encompasses Washington, Northern Idaho and Western Montana. The Salvation Army Vancouver Corps, in particular, is in need of additional support to provide families with holiday meals, toys and rental assistance, according to a news release from the organization.
“We are working hard to provide food, shelter, toys and clothing to more families across the Northwest this year. In the midst of the growing need, we are seeing fewer people donating at our virtual and physical kettles,” Northwest Divisional Cmdr. Lt. Col. Cindy Foley said in a news release. “We rely on our generous donors to ensure that Christmas joy is given to everyone, no matter their circumstances.”
The Salvation Army serves more than 600,000 people across the Northwest throughout the year. The Salvation Army Northwest Division is hoping to raise $3.9 million to fund food pantries, emergency shelters, transitional housing, rental assistance, addiction recovery, and senior and youth programs.
So far, The Salvation Army’s Vancouver branch has raised $86,000 through Red Kettle contributions, but it needs an additional $87,000 by Christmas Eve to meet its goal.
Vancouver Corps Capt. Angela Morrow said she believes the significant drop in donations could be attributed to the financial pinch many are feeling. Financial hardships, paired with a decline in volunteers, could be causing fewer people to donate, she said.
This year, 129 volunteers across Clark County have contributed about 1,300 volunteer hours. Morrow said volunteer work at Red Kettle donation sites makes a big difference in encouraging others to give.
“We know that there are lots of individuals and families that are struggling in our community, and cash is not always readily available for people to give,” Morrow said.
Red Kettle donation sites are set up across Vancouver at Albertsons, Safeway, Fred Meyer and Walmart. To find a donation site, visit westernusa.salvationarmy.org.
Community members can drop cash or checks into a Red Kettle or donate online at northwest.salvationarmy.org. Red Kettle donations help The Salvation Army serve thousands of families in need across the region.
“Every year that I do this, I’m just overwhelmed by the community’s generosity,” Morrow said. “You find that even when people are struggling, they find ways to give back and that inspires me to keep going.”
