Salvation Army Says Christmas Red Kettle Donations Down By Half

WORCESTER, MA — The Salvation Army is ringing an alarm bell this week because donations to the nonprofit's red kettles are down by half due to last week's nor'easter and the pandemic.

The Salvation Army is trying to raise $2.5 million in the Worcester area by next week. This year's red kettle campaign began two months early with the nonprofit anticipating a higher need in 2020 due to the coronavirus economic downturn.

"COVID-19 has not only created a much bigger demand for The Salvation Army to meet but has also decreased the number of traditional Red Kettles on street corners and at store entrances," the nonprofit said in a statement. "Nationwide, the Salvation Army anticipates as much as a 50 percent decrease in funds raised."

The nonprofit has relied on the red kettle campaign as a main fundraiser for about 130 years. Volunteers ringing Christmas bells typically stand on street corners and outside retail stores. But retail foot traffic has been down this holiday season due pandemic restrictions and store closings.

The Salvation Army is asking for donations online to make up for the reduced kettle collections.