The Salvation Army of North Texas says bell ringers are falling short of fundraising goals this year. The Red Kettle campaign runs through Christmas Eve.
"We have just a few days left, so we're reaching out the community to see if they can help us reach our fundraising goal," says
Christina Cavalier, senior director of community relations and development for the Salvation Army of North Texas.
Cavalier says demand has more than doubled during the pandemic. The Salvation Army says it has provided more than $9 million in financial assistance to 30,000 people, 11.6 million meals, 520,000 nights of shelter and emotion and spiritual support to 84,000 people.
"We're still seeing thousands of Texans who are facing hardships," Cavalier says. "There are people who are really still struggling to keep food on their tables, keep up with their rent or mortgage payment."
While need has increased, she says the Salvation Army has struggled to recruit bell ringers this year. Other fundraisers that would normally take place leading up to Christmas have had to be rescheduled to next spring.
Cavalier says the Salvation Army raises almost half its annual revenue from October through December.
"It's a really important time for us to fund raise so we can ensure we're meeting the needs of people throughout the year," she says.
The Salvation Army of Texas says 81% of money raised is used for its services. Twelve percent pays for administration; 7% is used for fundraising activity. The organization says 100% of every dollar donated for disaster relief is used to help survivors and first responders.
In addition to disaster relief, the Salvation Army works to combat addiction, homelessness and poverty.
The Red Kettle campaign runs through Christmas Eve. People can also donate here.
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