Salvation Army urges contributions in days before Christmas
‘Tis the season to be jolly, but there are many in communities across Delaware who have nowhere to call home, no paycheck coming in and no presents under a tree. As shoppers make a beeline to area stores for last-minute shopping this weekend, The Salvation Army of Delaware is urging spenders to give generously at the red kettles. The revenue generated at the iconic kettles will assist the army in providing much-needed services to help struggling individuals and families in area communities make ends meet. With just a few days left in the The Salvation Army’s biggest annual fundraiser, donations are still running behind 2018 levels, with a to-date total just under 80 percent of the campaign’s goal.
“It is imperative that we continue to provide hope and consolation to the neediest among us,” said Lt. Col. Larry Ashcraft, divisional commander, The Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware. “Every penny, every dollar, every gift from the heart makes a difference, and the funds stay right in the community to help those who are in need. With the kindness of community members who give, we hope to be able to continue to provide the same level of service to families facing difficult times in 2020 as we did this year. But we can’t do that without more people giving at the red kettles this holiday season.”
The red kettles, stationed in prominent locations throughout the region until Tuesday, Dec. 24, accept cash, credit cards and even allow people without either to pay on their phone by using Google Pay or Apple Pay. Proceeds help provide year-round programs and services to local residents in need of food, shelter and utility assistance, and emergency disaster relief, as well as supporting numerous educational, music and after-school programs throughout Delaware.
Those who can’t make it to a kettle prior to the campaign ending can send checks or money orders, made payable to The Salvation Army, mailed to The Salvation Army State Headquarters, P.O. Box 308, Wilmington, DE 19899. Secure credit card donations may be made online at www.salvationarmydelaware.org, or through Apple Pay and Google Pay at the kettles.
