Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, store closures, fewer Red Kettles, social distancing and less foot traffic have prompted The Salvation Army to launch its 130th annual Red Kettle Campaign early to “Rescue Christmas.”
According to Salvation Army Puyallup Valley Corps Captains John and Kyna Kelley, the effort will try to “offset a decline in in-person donations and help meet an unprecedented 155 percent rise in demand for seasonal programs, nationwide. Locally, the area has seen a four-fold increase in households seeking assistance,” according to the press release.
The organization has pivoted to online giving, available immediately. In Puyallup, service clubs and high schools are supporting The Salvation Army’s Virtual Red Kettle Campaign with online Kettles as they compete in the 12th annual Service Clubs Kettle Clash and High School Red Kettle Challenge 2020. Local businesses are enrolling for the CEO Red Kettle Challenge. Sponsors of the Match $20 Challenge will help match every $20 bill donated to physical and online Red Kettles on Dec. 12, doubling their impact in the community. Some traditional Red Kettles and bell ringers will appear around Thanksgiving. Donations stay local and go direct to program funding.
Families and seniors ages 62+ requiring assistance with toys and clothing can register online at SAAngelTree.org for The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program, which shares Christmas wish lists with community donors who fulfill them at tinyurl.com/PuyallupAdoptAnAngel or at the Giving Tree in South Hill Mall, according to the press release.
The Salvation Army of Puyallup has served Puyallup, Bonney Lake, Graham, Milton, Sumner, Eatonville and other communities since 1892.
For more details about the Virtual Red Kettle Campaign, CEO Red Kettle Challenge, Match $20 Challenge or how to create an online kettle, contact Capt.Kyna Kelley at (253) 841-1491 or Kyna.Kelley@usw.salvationarmy.org.
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