The Salvation Army sees record low at Red Kettles in Central Florida

The bells are ringing loudly, but donations at the Salvation Army’s red kettles are down by 83 percent.
Last year, the agency collected $16,963 during the opening weekend compared to $2,986 raised this year.
With concerns that this may be the trend for the season, The Salvation Army is calling on our community to help us raise funds to keep vital programs and services operating.
“Now, more than ever, we are asking our community to step up and dig deeper. Our need has increased this year by 155 percent and we will work diligently to meet the needs of the most vulnerable among us. The Salvation Army is grateful for all the caring hearts,” said Captain Ken Chapman, area commander of The Salvation Army in Orange and Osceola counties.
The iconic red kettle campaign is one of the Army’s largest fundraising efforts, and the donations received go to support programs and services year-round. Those services include emergency shelter, food, rental, housing and other financial assistance.
Since the start of this pandemic, The Salvation Army remains on the frontlines serving the community’s most vulnerable populations. Since March, it has provided 187,890 meals, drinks, and snacks with contributions from the community. With the donations made through the red kettles, agency officials hope to replenish the accounts to prepare for the wave of need that will come with the expiration of the nation-wide eviction moratorium.
The Salvation Army is changing with the times by introducing new ways for people to give. Across the country, kettles have gone virtual, offering the convenience of donating from the comfort of your home. To donate to our Virtual Kettle, visit www.SalvationArmyOrlando.org. To give to one of our Red Kettles, visit your local Publix Supermarket from now until Dec. 24.