Christmas Countdown: The Salvation Army Issues Urgent Call for Donations

PITTSBURGH (December 23, 2025) – As Christmas Eve fast approaches, the window is closing to ensure The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division can meet the needs of the community through Red Kettle Campaign donations. Across 28 counties in Western Pennsylvania, The Salvation Army has raised $1,859,595, nearly 81 percent of the $2,303,000 fundraising goal. In Allegheny County, The Salvation Army has raised $374,703, more than 71 percent of the $527,000 fundraising goal.

Donations received today sustain essential services year-round, including feeding initiatives, rent and utility assistance, seasonal assistance, youth empowerment and spiritual programs. Locally, several Salvation Army locations are significantly down in donations year-over-year. The Salvation Army community centers in Allegheny Valley (Brackenridge), Greensburg and North Boroughs (Pittsburgh) are in urgent need of increased support to continue local vital programs and services.

“As we enter the final hours of this critical fundraiser, we would like to take a moment to thank all of our supporters and volunteers for their incredible generosity,” Major Marcus Jugenheimer, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania said. “Your time and treasures make a big difference. There is still time to give, and we are continuing to count donations across our region. We are asking the public for one final push to help us provide a safety net for our most vulnerable neighbors throughout the new year.”

The Salvation Army provides crucial resources including warm meals, food pantries and emergency rental and utility assistance, all year long. Every donation to the Red Kettle Campaign stays local in the community where it is collected.

Donations can be made in person at locations throughout Western Pennsylvania through Christmas Eve. Gifts can also be made virtually before the end of the year by visiting salvationarmywpa.org or by texting the word “Kettle” to 31333. Donors can then reply with their ZIP code to ensure each donation goes directly back into the community where they reside.

Volunteers are critical to the success of the annual campaign. On average, one two-hour volunteer shift raises $80 to $100—enough to provide up to 200 warm meals for a neighbor in need. Visit RegistertoRing.com to find a shift or contact your local Salvation Army location directly. The Salvation Army is grateful for the continued support of its Allegheny County Red Kettle Kickoff Sponsor, PNC Bank, whose partnership helps launch this essential annual campaign. 

Celebrating 160 years of global service as both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 134 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, visit salvationarmywpa.org. The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.