Final weekend of Salvation Army's annual red kettle campaign

Officials project community need to outpace kettle donations

Thanks to the generosity of neighbors in communities across the state, The Salvation Army distributed nearly 100,000 gifts (and climbing) this week to children who may otherwise not have received a gift and Christmas meal this year.

While Christmas is brighter for so many this season, donations at the kettles continue to fall behind. Volunteer bell ringers have just three ringing days left to meet the growing need of individuals and families that the organization projects in 2019.

Through the support received from donors and volunteers at the kettles, The Salvation Army assists thousands of people from infants to seniors across its 48-county footprint through food pantries, meal programs, community gardens, shelters, disaster relief, after-school programs and summer camp.

“Kettle donations are crucial this last weekend before Christmas,” said Maj. Ivan Rock, state commander of The Salvation Army Empire State Division. “Need continues to rise across our division for emergency assistance, for things like food, shelter, rent and utilities. When you give to The Salvation Army, you provide gifts of healing and hope for those who need it most.”

About 33 percent of total yearly donations to The Salvation Army come through the red kettle campaign, which only runs from late November until Dec. 24. Donations made at the kettle or online at http://give.salvationarmy.org/EMPstay in the community in which they originate.

When one gives to The Salvation Army now or at any time throughout the year, one is helping neighbors in need. Support the work of The Salvation Army by starting an online fundraiser at http://fundraiseforgood.org.