Salvation Army donations down for 2022 Christmas season in Western PA

Donations to the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle campaign in Western Pennsylvania were down overall for the 2022 holiday season, according to representatives from the charity.

The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division, which covers 28 counties in Western Pennsylvania, set a goal to raise $2.294 million through in-person donations to bell ringers. It raised just over $2.03 million, or 89% of the goal, this winter.

Locally, Jeannette was one area that did not meet its projected goal, raising around $51,000, or 69%, of its $75,000 target.

“The community was very generous, especially considering all factors of inflation,” spokesperson Nicole Harrell said. “We are out here serving the community no matter what. We are accepting donations all year long. We are going to be here for the community, and every Red Kettle donation stays in the community where it is received.”

Donations from the campaign are used locally for community programs year-round, including assistance with rent, utilities and food.

Despite lower totals, Harrell said she has not heard of any specific changes to programs for the upcoming year.

“For now, we are going as planned. We are moving forward,” she said.

In Westmoreland County, some areas fared better at achieving their donation goals. According to Harrell, Greensburg raised 105% of its $75,000 goal, totaling more than $78,000. Latrobe raised approximately 117% of its $68,000 goal.

Allegheny County as a whole raised $458,281, or 81% of its $565,500 goal.

Factors impeding donation

Cold weather over Christmas factored into the year’s lessened in-person numbers, Harrell noted. Dec. 23 and 24, which are typically the two biggest days for donations before Christmas, saw frigid temperatures in the Western Pennsylvania region, making collections difficult for bell-ringers outside of stores.

The Western Pennsylvania division raised upward of $46,000 through “virtual Red Kettle” online donations, Harrell said, which are not included in the in-person total.

Online donations are becoming a bigger part of the charity’s operations, she said.

“I think we are just kind of not alone in any nonprofit; we’re trying to figure out the digital space,” she said. “At a lot of our events, you’ll see us utilizing QR codes for people to donate directly to the cause. Like every nonprofit, we are adapting as we can.”