Brackenridge Salvation Army programs uninterrupted despite red kettle campaign falling short

The closing of the Walmart store in The Waterworks mall dampened collection efforts by Salvation Army bell ringers and caused a shortfall in the annual fundraising campaign, leaders at the Allegheny Valley Corps in Brackenridge said.

“With that store not available to us, and some other situations, we’re facing a deficit,” Capt. Selah Bender said.

Early estimates are that donations totaled around $87,500, which is about 69% of its $127,500 goal. That constitutes a $40,000 dropoff.

Shortfalls were reported across the region, with the Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division pulling in more than $2 million, which is about 89% of its $2.2 million goal.

In Allegheny County, donations totaled nearly $459,000, about 81% of its $564,000 goal.

Money from the Red Kettle campaign is used to support Salvation Army programs throughout the year at each location.

Capt. Dave Bender said that despite the shortages, programs offered at the facility along Brackenridge Avenue will go uninterrupted.

Each week, there are food distributions, utility assistance, fitness classes for children, youth empowerment and Bible sessions.

“It does create a budgetary issue, as any shortfall in funds would,” Bender said.

“But we will continue to meet the needs of the community and offer all of our programs as usual.”

The site, open weekdays and for services Sunday, is bustling on most days of the week. It offers an emergency food bank along with a free community lunch open to all.

Home-cooked meals are available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays. That service continued throughout the pandemic without fail, funded by money collected during the kettle drive.

Throughout the week, there are basketball and volleyball leagues, and weekly workout sessions. Bible studies are offered on Wednesdays.

At the end of each summer, leaders host a Back to School carnival with free supplies for kids preparing to hit the classroom.

At Christmas, a holiday shop affords families the chance to supplement gifts under the tree.

Volunteer Georgetta Field said the group distributes thousands of gifts each year to more than 200 families. The Christmas shop is a tradition that dates back decades, she said.

According to the Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division website, the ongoing impact of inflation and the bitter cold weather just before Christmas played a role in the fundraising shortages.

“We are thankful for the support during our most critical fundraising time of the year,” said Maj. Gregory Hartshorn, divisional commander.

“While we lost the two biggest days of kettle income on Dec. 23 and 24 due to the severe weather, we want to thank those who made special gifts in the last minute to help close the gap. We are grateful for all who dropped a donation in a kettle, donated digitally or gave their time as a volunteer bell ringer.”

Bender said staffers are considering alternate fundraisers to help offset the red kettle deficit.

He thanked those who supported the kettle drive and said the money is vital to continue services for all ages.

“We live in a very giving community,” Bender said.

“A lot of people are struggling this year, but I know that the (additional) support will come in some form to help us meet those needs and ease those struggles for many.”