The Red Kettle Campaign is in a State of Emergency
Media Contact:
Amy Burke
Media Relations Director
amy_burke@usc.salvationarmy.org
Cell: (414) 333-5418
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Red Kettle Campaign is in a State of Emergency
Donors have contributed to 92 percent of goal
MILWAUKEE COUNTY — Time is running out. The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County is at risk of cutting several programs and services if they do not raise $300,000 by January 31.
As of January 25, donors have generously given $3.5 million; the goal is $3.8 million. Donations have been received from red kettles, mail-in donations, mail appeals, major gifts, online donations and special events. Eighty-seven cents of every dollar raised is used to support programs and services in Milwaukee County. This would be the first time in 12 years that we haven't met our goal.
"If we do not reach our goal, we will have to make some very difficult decisions," said Major Steven Merritt, Divisional Commander at The Salvation Army of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan. "Without proper funding, we will not be able to support all 80 programs and services we provide in Milwaukee County. That may mean cutting crucial people-helping programs."
2017 was a unique year for fundraising, as thousands of donors also supported The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County's fundraising efforts for Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.
"We raised $800,000 in Milwaukee County for national disasters last year," Merritt said. "For disasters, we do not keep any money locally. One hundred percent of those donations go directly to the area in need."
Money raised during the Red Kettle Campaign stays locally to help area men, women and children.
How You Can Help:
- By mail, send in a check: The Salvation Army, 11315 W. Watertown Plank Road, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
- Text “Milwaukee” to 41444
- Donate online at www.SAmilwaukee.org
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About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. The Salvation Army tracks the level of need across the country with the Human Needs Index (Human NeedsIndex.org). Locally, 87 cents of every dollar raised is used to support programs and services in Milwaukee County.