The Salvation Army ups fundraising goal due to increase in poverty

With only 9 days left until the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign comes to a close, the non-profit has had to raise its goal following an uptick in Gulf Coast residents asking for assistance.

The Salvation Army is seeing an increasing need on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Needs are up while donations are low. Which leaves them asking the question: how will they help these people?

Food prices are up by 4.3% and the U.S. Census Bureau is reporting that nearly 40 % of respondents in a household survey are facing eviction.

Those who once could give to the red kettle are finding themselves pinching pennies – some even turning to the Salvation Army for help.

The Salvation Army is aiming to surpass its original goal of $285,000 to keep up with the need, but the clock is ticking and they’ve only achieved about 60% of the goal.

“We’ve had more people asking over the past few months than we have seen in years,” said Major Jerry Friday, Gulf Coast Area Commander for The Salvation Army. “So, we’re going to make some difficult decisions, but I hope and I pray that the direct assistance to the community is the last thing that we have to cut.”

The Red Kettle is the organization’s biggest fundraiser and helps care for families all year.

Even if the Salvation Army falls under its goal, they are still grateful for every penny they receive.

Major Jerry Friday said, “We say it all the time: your change can make a change. Whatever you can give, we appreciate it and we will try to stretch it and use it as much as we possibly can.”

You can drop off a toy at any Salvation Army location near you or donate online.