CHICAGO (WBBM Newsradio) – The Salvation Army is making a last-minute appeal to Chicagoans as its annual Red Kettle fundraising campaign heads toward its traditional Christmas Eve close, still well short of its year-end goal.
The organization says weather-related disruptions and continued financial strain on families have hampered fundraising this holiday season. Several Red Kettle days were cut short due to adverse weather, limiting donations during some of the busiest times of the campaign.
As a result, the Salvation Army says it is currently about 30% behind its $12 million fundraising goal for the Chicago area.
“The money that comes in and that kettle funds our programs and services year round,” said Brian Duewel, senior director of communications for the Salvation Army’s North and Central Illinois division. “That money helps us help people in Chicago all year round.”
Funds raised through the Red Kettle campaign support a range of programs, including shelters, food pantries, after-school programs, emergency assistance and utility support. The organization says demand for those services remains high as inflation and job loss continue to affect households across the region.
Duewel said the final days of the campaign can be stressful but emphasized the importance of a strong year-end push.
“We’re hoping to have a strong year-end push,” he said. “People are celebrating with their families and realize that others may not have what they have, and maybe they can donate online.”
While physical red kettles are expected to come in by Christmas Eve, donations can still be made online through the organization’s Virtual Red Kettle at ChicagoRedKettle.org. The Salvation Army says all donations stay in the communities where they are given.
The Red Kettle campaign dates back to 1891, when it began in San Francisco. Today, it remains one of the most recognizable holiday fundraising efforts for the Salvation Army.