Nov 21, 2012 2 min read

This year’s Christmas Kettle Campaign goal for the Salvation Army in the 28 counties of Western Pennsylvania is $2.8 million.

Of that, the goal for Washington County is $86,200. Volunteers will be ringing bells and collecting at red kettle sites at Washington’s Shop n’ Save, Giant Eagle, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Washington Crown Center.

According to Capt. Michael Jung, commanding officer and pastor of the local Salvation Army at 60 E. Maiden St., Black Friday and the following day are two of the biggest collection dates for the Army’s Christmas kettles.

Locally the money goes to youth programs, social services and the community care ministries.

Jung said volunteers and service groups are needed to help ring bells and may contact him at 724-225-5740 to set up a time.

Donors may give online by logging onto www.OnlineRedKettle.org. 

The Salvation Army will also allow donors to support the campaign directly through their mobile phone. Contributors can text the words “GIVEPGH” to 80888 to make a $10 donation.

Jung explained that the money is distributed by zip code so those making a donation by mobile phone will benefit the Washington County office.

The Christmas campaign is comprised of three distinct funding streams: Christmas kettles, direct mail and social media.  

“Donors should know that kettle dollars stay where they give. Mail appeal money stays where they live.  And social media contributions go where the donor chooses,” explained Maj. William H. Bode, the organization’s Western Pennsylvania divisional commander.

“The past few years of the financial downturn has hit the Salvation Army hard,” Bode said.  “Both our donors and constituents have been adversely impacted. We’re all doing our best to do more with less.”  

Nationally the Army raises nearly $150 million in its annual Christmas campaign.