The Salvation Army said Wednesday that donations at its red kettles are down 8% this year while the organization is also facing higher operating costs and a dramatic jump in demand for its services.
The bad news for the evangelical church and social services organization comes with three days remaining in the 131-year-old Red Kettle Campaign, Dale Bannon, national community relations and development secretary, said in a telephone interview.
The shortfall could be as high as $42 million based on the group’s reporting of $520 million in public donations between October and December of 2021.
“We believe it’s due to inflation and to a lack of volunteers,” Mr.