Donations to the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle fundraiser are down this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the charity said.
With a $1.1 million goal, there’s a 30% gap in donations as the Salvation Army National Capital Area Command tries to meet an increased demand by people, including area families and veterans, who are financially struggling.
“There are a few reasons for the dip in kettle donations,” said Mark Woodcock, an area commander major with the nonprofit.
Woodcock said it has been a shorter-than-usual bell-ringing season and there’s been lighter-than-normal foot traffic at area retailers.
“This has been a rough period, financially, for many families some of whom reached out for the very first time to receive help from The Salvation Army,” Woodcock said.