The head of The Salvation Army’s Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division is hoping folks will donate to its Red Kettle Campaign in the days before Christmas.

In a Zoom meeting held Friday morning, Lt. Colonel Larry Ashcraft said the division, which includes the Army’s Tamaqua Service Center, is running about 25% behind its fundraising goal. The local center is also slightly behind.

“This decline comes at a critical time when many Americans are facing hardships. Reports from across the country paint a stark reality,” he said.

Data shows that one in three Americans report feeling “worse off” than they did in 2022; homeless rates are rising, and more than 44.2 million experience food insecurities each and every day.

“The officers and staff at the Salvation Army are on the ground and they witness these struggles daily,” Ashcraft said. “Where families grapple with unimaginable choices like balancing utility bills against providing a Christmas meal or Christmas toys for their children.”

Becky Netznik, a Salvation Army regional manager, said the demand in the local area is great.

“We get between 15 to 20 calls almost every day for people needing help with basic life needs,” she said. The goal, she said, is to never turn away anyone because of lack of funding.

The local office serves most of Schuylkill County and Lansford, and like other Salvation Army offices, provides food, housing assistance and more to those in need.

“This year, we are asking the public to provide one extra wave of support in order for us to meet increased demands for assistance across the region,” Ashcraft said.

Donated funds are used during the holiday season and throughout the upcoming year, he said. All donations stay in the area where they are collected.

“Regardless of the amount, if you want to give $50, $500, $5 or 50 cents, every contribution supports local Salvation Army units, enabling us to provide critical services like food, shelter, job training and much more,” he said.

While today is the last day of the year for bell ringers to stand outside stores with Red Kettles, folks can donate with checks, online or through text.

Checks may be sent to the Tamaqua Salvation Army at 246 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, PA 18252; or visit the Division’s Virtual Red Kettle on https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/eastern-pennsylvania/ or text “KETTLE” to 31333 and send your Zip code to be directed to the nearest virtual kettle.

Netznik said the Army is “so thankful” for those who sent in checks, contributed to Red Kettles, and donated Angel Tree gifts.

“We can’t do what we do without our volunteers,” she said. “Every dollar helps and goes right back to the community’s great needs.”