Jim Zwiertnia, a 62-year-old bell ringer for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign for the past 24 years, has noticed a significant decrease in donations this year. He attributes this to the lack of cash people carry, often hearing them say they can’t contribute. This observation reflects a broader trend; the Salvation Army is currently behind its fundraising goal for its holiday campaign in the Chicago area.
The organization had hoped to raise $21 million, aiming to collect 75% – or $15.75 million – during the holiday season. However, current donations lag behind both their target and last year’s figures for the same period. Brian Duewel, a Salvation Army spokesperson, expressed concern, emphasizing that these funds support year-round services, including food banks, after-school programs, and shelters. While the campaign runs until January 31st, the shortfall is a significant worry. Last year, the organization successfully raised $18 million.
To address the decline in cash donations, the Salvation Army has introduced “tap to pay” options at ten locations in northern and central Illinois, along with QR codes for digital giving. These digital options, while convenient, are still unfamiliar to many potential donors, according to Zwiertnia. He remains hopeful that donations will increase closer to Christmas Day, highlighting the vital role the Salvation Army plays in supporting those in need. Donations can also be made online at Give.SalvationArmyUSA.org. The Salvation Army’s impact is substantial, assisting over 28 million people annually across 128 countries and numerous US communities.