Red Kettle Campaign Short Of $8 Million Goal With Only 8 Days Left

red kettle
Photo credit (Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

DETROIT (WWJ) - With only a few more days left in the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign, organizers say donations are down about 10 percent.  

The goal for the 2019 season is $8 million. But so far, the Salvation Army says total contributions to-date are lagging behind projections. Right now, about $2.6 million is in jeopardy.  

"We simply can't afford to miss making our goal this year," Major Tim Meyer said in a statement. "We are counting on the generosity of metro Detroiters to help provide assistance to those in need, not only during Christmas, but throughout the entire year."

Storefront red kettle donations, online and direct mail contributions, as well as major corporate and individual gifts, contribute to the annual end-of-the-year campaign goal. Funds will help The Salvation Army continue providing critical programs and services including youth and senior programs, Pathway of Hope, anti-human trafficking efforts, drug and alcohol treatment, free legal aid, emergency disaster services and more.

There are several easy ways to give and help neighbors in need in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties:
  • Donating cash in a red kettle
  • Tapping any red kettle to pay via Apple or Google Pay
  • Visiting salmich.org
  • Calling 877-SAL-MICH

Volunteer opportunities are still available to ring bells at hundreds of storefront Salvation Army red kettles around metro Detroit. Kettle donations account for more than one-third of all contributions. Those interested in volunteering can visit registertoring.com to register for shifts through Tuesday, Dec. 24, excluding Sundays.