Donations down at Salvation Army kettles
WEST CHESTER » Many of those benefitting from the Salvation Army might feel the impact of the global pandemic.
The amount of donations and the number of volunteers are both down significantly during the West Chester Salvation Army’s annual holiday Kettle Campaign.
For last year’s campaign, bell ringers worked the kettles at 11 local businesses. This year, during the pandemic, four sites are open, six days a week, with two part time locations.
Captain Maria Corraliza said that local donations are down 40 percent since the drive started on Nov. 27. Collections run until Dec. 24.
“We might have to reduce services to the community,” Corraliza said about lack of full support for the Army’s biggest fundraiser of the year. She also noted that 85 cents of every dollar collected goes back to the local community.
Volunteers are down 50 percent and several regular locations are going unstaffed. Typically, several churches and other community organizations help out during the holiday season and due to institutional closures are choosing to not volunteer this year.
Hobby Lobby, Big Lots, Boscov’s and Walmart, all in Exton, are open six days per week. Part time locations include the Amish Market in Westtown, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and the ACME Market in West Goshen on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays.
Maria’s husband and Capt. Jesus Corraliza said he understands the public’s concern.
“We are taking precautions as suggested by scientists and leaders,” he said. “And the Salvation Army is still going out there and helping many people.
“If our regular donors help out a little bit more this year, we can move forward and help people affected by the virus.”
Maria Corraliza said she realizes that some are afraid to go outside or approach the kettle.
Bell ringers are masked at all times, they practice social distancing, hand sanitizers are available and the volunteers and workers regularly wipe the kettles.
Corraliza suggested that it is possible to support the Army online to benefit many of those newly in need.
“Some of us are blessed,” Maria Corraliza said. “Together we can do the most good for our community.”
A release was recently issued by the Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware.
“The Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware is a faithbased, comprehensive human service organization whose programs help individuals, families and whole communities lead healthier, safer and more productive lives,” reads the release. “Since 1879, The Army has held a record of accomplishment stemming from its holistic approach to providing for the needs of the whole individual – physically, emotionally, economically and spiritually.”
If you are considering volunteering, contact Capt. Maria Corraliza directly, and call 973-8513264
Donat ions are accepted virtually at https:// give.salvationarmy.org/ give/302849/#!/donation/ checkout