Donations down for Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign is in full swing and 13 Action News is proud to be part of the bell-ringing team today. The annual campaign helps provide critical funding for life-changing programs and services in the Toledo area.

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign is a time-honored tradition, a sound of the season. All the money raised locally from the Red Kettle campaign stays here in the area.

“The money raised is used for our food pantry, the programs we provide and the assistance programs we offer and it helps keep our lights on too,” Major JR Fritsch, the executive director of the Salvation Army of Northwest Ohio, said.

The head of the Salvation Army said donations are down a bit this year. The goal this year is to raise $285,000.

“That is what is set in our budget, we are going to have to get creative in our budget and figure out ways we may need to cut back,” Major Fritsch said. “If we don’t make our goal, we are going to have to get creative in our budget and figure out ways we may need to cut back.”

Major Fritsch believes the drop in donations is connected to the shortened time between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.

“Thanksgiving fell on the 28th. So, that put us four days behind from what we normally do. The other factor is the economy as well, people are struggling,” Major Fritsch said.

Fritsch said donations of all sizes add up and can make a big difference.

“$1, $2, $5, whatever you can give, everything adds up,” Fritsch said. “We’re excited to get any donation, large or small.”

And if you don’t have any change or cash, you can also use a credit card at some locations.

“We now have credit card tap machines at multiple locations throughout the city,” Major Fritsch said. “There are three different amounts to pick from, $5, $10, $20. You just tap your card on the screen and you’ll hear a beep that it went through. So, there is nothing to fill out, it’s just an instant donation.”

This year is Major Fritsch’s second holiday season in Toledo and he said he has been amazed to see people dig deep to help others time and time again.

“We see people all the time who tell us, ‘This is my last dollar I’m giving you,’” Major Fritsch said. “This community always rallies around itself and takes care of its own.”

There are more than 20 kettle locations around the Toledo area and bell ringers will be out until 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

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