|
PITTSBURGH, Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The Salvation Armys 28-County Western
Pennsylvania Division Christmas Kettle Campaign is still a story of extreme
contrasts. While the overall total goal is more than $53,000 ahead of last
years, some sites are as far ahead as $20,000, while others are behind by
more than $12,000. As compared to 2004, nineteen of the forty-three Worship
and Service Centers are operating at a loss; four more than last week.
"Losing a good kettle site can offset a campaign dramatically," said Major
Robert Reel, the Western Pennsylvania Salvation Armys Divisional Commander.
"The reduction of one healthy kettle can mean a loss of as much as $450 a
day," Reel explained. "This can happen due to a lack of volunteers, less
available kettle sites or extremely cold weather. There are so many variables
to consider, but our officers are doing their best to succeed."
Kettles that are behind include the following communities: Aliquippa;
Altoona; Chartiers Valley/Carnegie; Corry; Dubois; Ellwood City; Erie;
Greensburg; Greenville; Indiana; Kiski Valley; Kittanning; Latrobe;
Pittsburghs East Liberty, Homewood, Northside, Westside and Homewood; and
Sharon/Mercer. Deficits range from a low of $1,220 in Altoona to a high of
$12,994 in Pittsburghs Westside.
"We know that many shoppers hold off until just days before Christmas,"
said Reel. "We are doing our best to remain hopeful that the public will help
us turn around some of these losses in the final hours." No final Divisional
kettle report will be available until the week of January 2nd.
Kettle donations can be made on the organizations online site by logging
on to http://www.salvationarmy-wpa.org. Contributions can also be made by
check and sent to The Salvation Army of the donors choice.
Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began
in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 109
countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves
thousands of needy families through a wide variety of diverse support
programs.
|
|
