Salvation Army Behind on Holiday Season Fundraising

The Red Kettle Campaign Is Struggling and It Could Mean Budget Cuts

DULUTH, Minn. — You know it’s the holiday season when you see and hear the Salvation Army bell ringers.

This season, however, the Red Kettle Campaign is hurting. As of this morning, the Salvation Army was still over $75,000 behind their fundraising goal. This could mean budget cuts to the social services offered by the Salvation Army, including its food shelves, hot lunch program, and emergency services. Director of Development Cyndi Lewis said reaching their $225,000 goal is just not realistic between now and Saturday.

“The Kettle goal is only a fraction of our quarter one, but it does play into the budget and how we foresee what we will be able to provide in the upcoming year, because this is the beginning of our fiscal year,” Lewis said. “So if this shows its trending down, then we’re going to have to cut back on our budget on all of our programs for the upcoming year. And that is something we don’t really want to have to do.”

Lewis said the food shelf has already been struggling. She worries the Salvation Army may not be able to help everyone who comes to them for food, shelter, and care.