The Salvation Army's Red Kettles in the Twin Cities are feeling a lot lighter this holiday season compared to just one year ago. In fact, the Twin Cities Salvation Army says they are $700,000 behind their Christmas fundraising season goal, with just two days left in the year.
"Our expectations were kind of set lower by the pandemic and the effects it was going to have," said Dan Furry, director of PR and communications with the Salvation Army Northern Division.
"Things are doing better than we could have seen," Furry said. "This final week of the year is always a strong giving week, but we wanted the community to understand that we are behind."
Even with the shortfall, Furry says the Salvation Army's Christmas fundraising season going better-than-anticipated because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Calls for donations amplify what's already been a demanding year not only for the Salvation Army, but for organizations seeking to help others. Despite the calendar change, it doesn't appear that the demand for help will be going away.
"We're expecting a huge increased demand in requests for rental, mortgage, and utility assistance as the government moratoriums on eviction end," Furry said. "A lot of people out there have put off their rent payments because they could not afford it."
There's also concern about how the slower-than-expected fundraising stretch will impact other Salvation Army programs that rely on fundraising from October through December.
"It's important we try and hit these numbers because the money we raise this quarter goes to fund programs throughout the year. It has impact throughout the year on programs the Salvation Army offers."
Monetary donations to the Salvation Army Northern Division can be made online, or through the mail.
