Christmas in danger for hundreds in Tri-Cities as Salvation Army donations plummet
Hundreds of Tri-Cities families might not get much needed help this Christmas due to plummeting Salvation Army Red Kettle donations.
Now the organization is hoping shoppers can perform a Christmas miracle of their own.
With less than two weeks left to raise money, they’re only about one-third of the way to the $100,000 goal, according to a news release from the organization.
Saturday, Dec. 14, will be critical with donors stepping up to match every dollar donated at locations across the Tri-Cities.
Locally the Salvation Army hopes to provide Christmas food and gifts for more than 800 families this year. Throughout the rest of the year they help an average 550 Tri-Cities families every month with needs ranging from food to utility assistance and support services, according to its website.
Donations nationwide have been on a downward trend since the COVID-19 pandemic, and that doesn’t appear to be changing this year with other Washington Salvation Army sites reporting similar trends.
Tri-Cities locations collected about $25,000 through Dec. 5, while their Bellingham locations reported just $11,000 during that same time period. In all, the organization said donations across their Northwest Division, which also includes northern Idaho and western Montana, are down 30% this year.
“We are working hard to provide food, shelter, toys, and clothing to more families across the Northwest this year. In the midst of the growing need, we are seeing fewer people donating at our virtual and physical kettles. We rely on our generous donors to ensure that Christmas joy is given to everyone, no matter their circumstances,” said Northwest Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Cindy Foley.
Bell ringers can be found at Tri-Cities grocery stores Monday through Saturday through Christmas Eve.
They’re also accepting donations of new toys through the Angel Tree program.
About 1-in-8 Tri-Citians are considered food insecure, meaning they don’t have ready access to enough healthy food. About two-thirds of families in Benton and Franklin counties are eligible for federal nutrition assistance programs such as SNAP or WIC, according to Feeding America.
The goal across their Northwest division is to raise $3.9 million for Christmas programs, as well as ongoing aid throughout the year.
Donations can also be made online at TriCities.SalvationArmy.org
The Tri-Cities branch of the organization is also looking to begin fundraising for a new building to replace its aging facilities.
They hope to start that process in 2025, and will build the facility next to Bishop Skylstad Commons in Pasco in order to boost the partnership with the Catholic Charities supportive housing complex.
