HONOLULU – Donations for The Salvation Army’s annual red kettle campaign in Hawaii are down by 30 percent so far during the 2013 holiday season. Approximately $985,000 was raised through red kettle donations in 2012 and the agency has set a similar goal for 2013. As of Monday, Dec. 9, the statewide tally was $371,451.11.
“We’re concerned about the slow collections so far this year and how this will impact our ability to help those who are hurting here in Hawaii,” said Major John Chamness, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army. “We encourage everyone to remember their neighbors in need when they see a Salvation Army bell ringer in our communities during the next few weeks and be as generous as they can to help.”
One challenge this year is that there are five fewer days this holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas. That equates to approximately $20 million less in donations to The Salvation Army nationwide and the impact also is being felt in the Hawaii.
Kettle gifts stay in the island community where the money is donated and help provide meals and shelter for families in need, Christmas toys for thousands of children locally, and many other services throughout the year. More than 135,000 people were assisted in Hawaii last year by outreach from The Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army is encouraging the public to donate generously to the Red Kettles found on street corners, in malls, and at local retailers or online at www.salvationarmyhawaii.org. Volunteers also are still needed and various opportunities are listed on the website.
The public’s support will help ensure that The Salvation Army can continue to do the most good for those in need this holiday season and throughout the year.
The Salvation Army of Hawaii offers a wide variety of programs throughout the islands including: adult day health services; affordable senior housing; at-risk youth services and housing; camp & conference center; family stores; food distribution and feeding programs; homeless services; The Kroc Center – Hawaii’s largest community center; preschools & day care services; social services – emergency assistance; substance abuse treatment; and work therapy & rehabilitation services. For more information, call 808-988-2136, visit www/salvationarmyhawaii.org, or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.