For the first time in 130 years, The Salvation Army is starting its annual holiday fundraising campaign early across the country in order to "rescue Christmas," according to a news release.
The funds raised through the organization's iconic red kettles are at risk this year due to COVID-19 while requests for services are at an all-time high, the release said.
Based on the services already provided in response to the pandemic, the organization could potentially serve up to 155% more people in 2020 with Christmas assistance, including putting food on the table, paying bills, providing shelter and helping place gifts under the tree.
Last year, the nonprofit served a total of 2,374 individuals in Hot Springs and the surrounding counties. If the same level of increased requests for service is seen this year, it would mean 2,741 local individuals will find themselves in need of assistance, the release said.
At the same time, due to the closing of retail stores, consumers carrying less cash and coins, and the decline in foot traffic, the organization could see up to a 50% decrease in funds raised nationally through the red kettles, which would limit its capability to provide services for the most vulnerable. Last year, $126 million was raised nationally through about 30,000 red kettles.
"During the 2019 Christmas campaign, The Hot Springs Salvation Army raised a total of $116,000. If we experienced a 50% decrease in our largest fundraiser, it could be detrimental in assisting those most vulnerable in our community," Captain Bradley Hargis said.
Lt. Colonel Allan Hofer, divisional commander for The Salvation Army of Arkansas-Oklahoma said that during the recession of 2008, they served 10 million more people than the previous year.
"This year of COVID-19, the numbers of people served will dwarf that number," Hofer said. "In most of our service locations the increase in people needing help has more than tripled. Our centers of operation have remained open throughout this calamity. People are coming for food, for shelter, utilities, rent and mortgage.
"Many are desperate and hopeless. Our 'business' is to bring hope into places of darkness and despair. As this pandemic continues to take hold in our community, the need for help is increasing. We need your financial support to ensure that we can meet the needs of this hour."
The Salvation Army will offer the following options to make it safer and simpler to donate:
ā¢ Enlist in Love's Army with a sustaining monthly gift of $25 per month.
ā¢ The Red Kettle Campaign will begin in Hot Springs on Nov. 9. To help ensure the safety of bell ringers, donors and partners, The Salvation Army has adopted nationally mandated safety protocols.
ā¢ Donate digitally with Apple Pay or Google Pay at any red kettle in Arkansas.
ā¢ Ask Amazon Alexa to donate by saying, "Alexa, donate to The Salvation Army," then specifying the amount.
ā¢ Give any amount by texting "KETTLES" to 91999.
ā¢ Donate physical gifts in bulk.
ā¢ Adopt additional Angels to give hope and joy to kids and families in need through The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program.
Every donation provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay within the community in which they are given. Visit RescueChristmas.org to donate or for more information, or call The Salvation Army at 501-623-1628.