CHICAGO (WBBM Newsradio) \u2013 The Salvation Army is making a last-minute appeal to Chicagoans as its annual Red Kettle fundraising campaign heads toward its traditional Christmas Eve close, still well short of its year-end goal.<\/p>\n
The organization says weather-related disruptions and continued financial strain on families have hampered fundraising this holiday season. Several Red Kettle days were cut short due to adverse weather, limiting donations during some of the busiest times of the campaign.<\/p>\n
As a result, the Salvation Army says it is currently about 30% behind its $12 million fundraising goal for the Chicago area.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe money that comes in and that kettle funds our programs and services year round,\u201d said Brian Duewel, senior director of communications for the Salvation Army\u2019s North and Central Illinois division. \u201cThat money helps us help people in Chicago all year round.\u201d<\/p>\n
Funds raised through the Red Kettle campaign support a range of programs, including shelters, food pantries, after-school programs, emergency assistance and utility support. The organization says demand for those services remains high as inflation and job loss continue to affect households across the region.<\/p>\n
Duewel said the final days of the campaign can be stressful but emphasized the importance of a strong year-end push.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re hoping to have a strong year-end push,\u201d he said. \u201cPeople are celebrating with their families and realize that others may not have what they have, and maybe they can donate online.\u201d<\/p>\n