Final Week: The Salvation Army Needs to Raise More Than One Million Dollars Before Christmas Eve

PITTSBURGH (December 17, 2025) – The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division needs to raise more than one million dollars to support the annual Red Kettle Campaign before Christmas Eve. Across 28 counties in Western Pennsylvania, The Salvation Army has raised $1,225,138 more than 53 percent of the $2,303,000 fundraising goal. In Allegheny County, The Salvation Army has raised $271,139, more than 51 percent of the $527,000 fundraising goal.

These final critical days before Christmas Eve are about more than meeting a target, it is about securing the future. Funds raised now sustain essential services including feeding initiatives, rent and utility assistance, seasonal assistance, youth empowerment and spiritual programs throughout the year. Locally, several Salvation Army locations are falling behind in donations, reaching less than 50 percent of the fundraising goals set to support vital programs and services. The Salvation Army community centers in Greensburg, Latrobe, Meadville, Mon Valley (Donora), North Boroughs (Pittsburgh) and Erie, Pennsylvania are in urgent need of increased community support in order to continue to meet the local needs in their communities.

“It is the most wonderful time of the year and the most critical time of year for The Salvation Army,” Major Marcus Jugenheimer, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania said. “With only one week to go, more than a million dollars is still needed to ensure our programs can continue across our region. For more than 160 years, The Salvation Army has served as a critical safety net for those in need. Our work will not stop, but without support, we cannot continue to meet immediate needs in our communities.”

Throughout the year, The Salvation Army provides crucial resources including warm meals, emergency rental and utility assistance and food. Every donation made to the Red Kettle Campaign stays local in the community where it is collected. Donations to the Red Kettle Campaign can be made in person at locations throughout Western Pennsylvania or virtually by visiting salvationarmywpa.org. Gifts can also be given at any time 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 still needed to ensure 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 to 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.