Donations down $2.3 million across Minn., N.D.
With just twelve days left in The Salvation Army’s Christmas Campaign, donations are down significantly – about $2.3 million – across the Twin Cities, Greater Minnesota and North Dakota when compared to this time last year.
“We need the public’s help to make up this shortfall,” said Lt. Colonel Lonneal Richardson, leader of The Salvation Army Northern Division. “If we don’t, we risk having to make difficult decisions about cutting back on the programs and services we offer.”
Red kettles will only be on the streets until this Saturday, Dec. 24, but people can donate online, through the mail or by calling (651-746-3496 or 1-800-725-2769) anytime through Dec. 31. Every contribution helps.
Greater Minnesota and North Dakota
At this time last year, $5.3 million was donated in outstate areas of Minnesota and across North Dakota. Donations so far this year sit at $4.5 million, a $800,000 decline. Kettle revenue makes up a significant portion of the decline, with a $600,000 decrease.
Twin Cities Metro
The Twin Cities Salvation Army hopes to raise $11.6 million by Dec. 31, but to date, they have only brought in $5.9 million, which is $1.5 million less than this time last year ($7.4 million in 2015).
The Twin Cities Salvation Army looks to red kettle donations for nearly $3 million of that total, but so far this year, they are falling $1 million short.
How You Can Help
You can help when you make a donation online before Dec. 31 or sign up for a bell ringing shift before Saturday. For every hour a volunteer bell rings, an average of $30 is donated to a kettle.