2020 Christmas Campaign Sets $1.5M Goal
Announcing an amazing Christmas Miracle as Walmart expands support!
WICHITA, KS (November 1, 2020) – For the first time in 130 years, The Salvation Army has started its annual holiday fundraising campaign early across the country in order to rescue Christmas. The funds raised through our iconic red kettles are at risk this year due to COVID-19 while requests for services are at an all-time high.
With a possible 50% reduction in funds raised nationally through red kettles, the impact would limit our ability to provide services for the most vulnerable. Last year The Salvation Army in Sedgwick County fell short of goal, even though donations increased 11%.
Wichita City Commander, Major James Curl shared the need to boost this year’s goal to 1.5M, “What a year we are in. I know I do not need to mention the impact on our community and friends this year. The Salvation Army has seen an increase in assistance requests that has been beyond remembrance. With a 300% increase in utility assistance, nearly 200% increase of food requests, we are amazed at the need from families who have never been in need before. It’s for these friends and families that we will ‘Rescue Christmas’. Our goal has been raised this year because the need is higher and we will be there for community.”
The Salvation Army and Walmart have partnered to meet local needs around the country for more than 40 years. In 2020, Walmart and The Salvation Army are joining forces in new and bigger ways to Rescue Christmas for families struggling from the health and economic impacts of COVID-19. This year, Walmart’s will be supporting the Angel Tree program in most stores, as well as offering an on-line Registry For Good at www.WalmartAngelTree.org. In Addition – From November 2 until December 31st, customers will be prompted to round up to the nearest dollar in support of The Salvation Army at in-store cash registers and online.
Our traditional deployment of Red Kettles will be more strategic with additional focus for bell ringing volunteers and donors participating safely.
To help ensure the safety of bell ringers, donors and partners, The Salvation Army has adopted nationally mandated safety protocols.
Digital donation options will be available again this year through QR codes posted at all red kettles in Sedgwick County.
For the first time, The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Toy Distribution has been extended an additional day and to safely distance during toy pick-up. Our Christmas Assistance application process has even been reformatted to take on-line and telephone applications only. No face to face meetings this year.
We look forward to community helping restore hope and joy to kids and families in need through The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program and the expanded support from Walmart.
Every donation provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay within the community in which they are given. To donate or learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army rescue Christmas this year, please visit our website: SalvationArmy-Wichita.org.