TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The Salvation Army of Tallahassee makes their final push for the annual Red Kettle Campaign for this year.
With only seven days left, the Salvation Army expects a significant decline in funds raised for services in Gadsden, Leon, and Wakulla counties.
Since 1891, the Red Kettle Campaign has raised money to support local efforts in emergency social services such as food, clothing, and utility assistance.
The campaign also funds children’s programs, emergency disaster services, anti-human trafficking programs, and Christmas assistance for thousands of residents each year.
Lieutenant Ryan Meo, Corps Officer for The Salvation Army of Tallahassee, is concerned about the decline.
“It is becoming increasingly difficult each year for non-profit organizations like ours to find funding for emergency and social service programs. Due to the recent storm responses in 2016 and 2017, our resources and personnel have been stretched. In order to maintain our current programs, we must meet our goal. Every year, the support we raise during this time, goes directly back into this community, which is why every Christmas season, the Red Kettle campaign is so important to us."
The Salvation Army of Tallahassee is encouraging any person, group, or family who can to volunteer their time for one shift at a Red Kettle location in the three service county areas to help collect funds during the last few days of the campaign.
The organization's goal is to raise $200,000 and have received only $104,000, which is 25% behind where they were last year.
The kettles will be out through Dec. 23. Please call the Salvation Army at (850) 222-0304 and volunteer to ring the bell.
If you have not yet donated to a kettle, please add your gift now, or mail it to P.O. Box 10289, Tallahassee, FL 32302 or click here to donate or click here to check out our new Virtual Kettle on Facebook.
