Strategically placed volunteers have rung in great tidings for Venango County’s Salvation Army, as the nonprofit has surpassed this year’s holiday season goal of raising at least $54,500 for local programs and services.
Since the 2023 Red Kettle campaign started, the Salvation Army, as of Thursday, has raised $54,617. That’s an increase of $17,368 from last year, and, as of Thursday, surpasses this season’s goal by $117. All funds raised are used to fund local programs and help mitigate the yearly cost of inflation.
The Salvation Army provides feeding programs, rent and utility assistance, seasonal assistance, youth empowerment and spiritual programs across 28 counties in western Pennsylvania.
Nicole Harrell, director of marketing and public relations for the Salvation Army of Western PA Division, told the newspaper that the nonprofit is dealing with higher costs, “just like everyone else, from gas to milk prices,” and that hinders efforts to reach goal amounts.
Another boon, she said, is the “Text to Give” campaign, which allows donations by texting “KETTLE” to 31333, and entering the local ZIP code when prompted.
According to a news release from the Western PA Division, more than $1.6 million across its 28 counties has been raised so far this holiday season — almost 72% of the total fundraising goal of $2.345 million.
During the course of this holiday season, a Red Kettle has been at Giant Eagle, in both Oil City and Sugarcreek; Sander’s Markets, in Franklin, the Barrow-Civic Theatre, in Franklin; the Cranberry Mall; and Walmart, in Cranberry Township.
Today is the last day that the Red Kettles are scheduled to be out. However, digital giving through text does not have an end date. Donations can be made at any time by visiting salvationarmywpa.org.
