Salvation Army loses six days of Red Kettle collection days and thousands of donation dollars

WASILLA — Because Thanksgiving fell late this year, the Salvation Army lost six days of collection days for their annual Red Kettle holiday drive, significantly cutting into its overall donations.

According to Mat-Su Valley Salvation Army Corps Officer Major Kevin Bottjen, they’re facing a $20,000 to $30,000 shortage due to the missed days. The Red Kettle drive is the Salvation Army’s biggest fundraiser of the year. They use the donation money to fund their operations throughout the year.

“Having six less days of bell ringing really equals thousands and thousands of dollars of fundraising,” Bottjen said. “The bell ringing season, the Red Kettles helps provide money that allows us to give to people year-round.”

Bottjen said the shortage comes after a “challenging year” with big disasters like the McKinley and Deshka wildfires.

“The need is still out there in this short season,” Bottjen said. “The Salvation Army used to have a motto: ‘need knows no season.’ This year, that is more true than ever because the expenditure could easily dwarf the donations, making it difficult for the Salvation Army to serve the community at levels that it needs.”

The Salvation Army starts their Red Kettle drive the day after Thanksgiving and wraps up Christmas Eve. Those who sympathize with the charity’s short season can still help without dropping money into a red kettle. People can still make donations.

“We would be very excited if there were some last-minute donations this year,” Bottjen said.

Bottjen said there’s several ways to support the Salvation Army’s efforts in addition to monetary donations. He said that people can donate items to the thrift store and those who shop there are helping their cause because all the money from the thrift store goes supports their ministry.

Bottjen said there’s dozens of Valley volunteers this year, including families, groups and service clubs.

“We cannot do what we do without the volunteers. It’s a volunteer army. We rely heavily on our volunteers,” Bottjen said.

Donations can be made in person at the main office, over the phone or online. For more information, call 907-745-7079 or visit mat-suvalley.salvationarmy.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley reporter jacob.mann@frontiersman.com