Buffalo, NY (WBEN) - The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Drive is up and running again. Despite a switch to cashless transactions and fewer malls open, the Salvation Army says things are off to a good start.
While you'll hear the bells, Major Annette Lock says she understands it's tough for many in the community. "We know that many are struggling out there, so we're asking the community to come together, to give what they can, to be as generous as possible, because it makes a difference all year long," says Lock.
Lock says the drive is off to a good start. "We started our first kettles were out at the beginning of November, and we've had a very good turnout so far, and we've been very pleased with, you know, being on track for the season," says Lock.
Lock says as more people go cashless, the opportunity to give is still available. "For those who do not carry cash or don't have any on them, when they pass one of our buckets, we have QR codes at our kettle stands, so just aiming a phone at the QR code will open up our donation page, and somebody can make a donation that way. It's secure, it's pretty quick, and it's a way that people can participate, even when they don't carry cash," explains Lock.
With malls closing, that can mean fewer locations to make a donation, and Lock admits that can be challenging. But she says there are still consistent partners. "We are very grateful for our consistent partners likeTops and Walmart and Cabela's and Hobby Lobby and others that allow us the space in front of their stores. It makes all the difference. We could not do what we're doing throughout the season, which is so critical to our fundraising," says Lock.
This year's goal is $400,000.
