SALT LAKE CITY — As we approach the holiday season, the Salvation Army is launching its Red Kettle Campaign, but this year it’s going to look a little different.
The annual Kettle Kickoff Breakfast was supposed to be held Friday morning, but because of the coronavirus pandemic, it was a virtual meeting this year.
You’ll see the Red Kettles outside stores across the Salt Lake Valley, but Bell Ringers will be masked and wearing gloves.
You can put money in the kettles but a better option might be to donate online.
Rob Lawler, the Captain of the Salvation Army Salt Lake City, says this year there’s been a significant increase in community need, and with economic impacts the pandemic is having, the organization is already preparing to see a decrease in donations this year.
“We’re just seeing kind of an overall increase across the board in need, so every penny, every dollar matters.” Said Lawler.
Normally, the Salvation Army gives out 200-300 food boxes a week, but due to the pandemic, that’s up to 1,500 boxes some weeks.
“We are expecting a decrease in the store, but we’re hoping to see an increase online so that we can still meet our goals and our budget,” Lawler said. “Cash in peoples pockets seems to be less nowadays since Covid happened as well as we’re just expecting not as many people in the stores."
All of the money donated to the Salvation Army stays in the Salt Lake Valley.
The Red Kettles and Bell Ringers will be out beginning on Black Friday, and if you’d like to donate online, click here.