CARNEGIE, Pa., Dec. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Good news.  Bad news.  It's a mixed bag.  The Salvation Army's 28 County Western Pennsylvania Division's Red Christmas Kettle Campaign has its ups and downs. While 16 of its 38 Worship and Service Centers are ahead of 2011 figures, 22 are trailing behind by a total of more than $48,000.  "Christmas Kettle Campaign totals change dramatically minute by minute," said Major William H. Bode, The Salvation Army's Western Pennsylvania Divisional Commander.  "From experience, we know that many donors give later in the shopping season when they have a better feel for their giving budget.  We have faith that the Lord will provide in the end." 

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There are three ways to support The Salvation Army's Christmas Campaign: red kettles; direct mail appeal; and social media.  Red Kettle dollars stay where you give.  Mail appeal money stays where you live.  And, social media contributions go where the need is greatest in Western Pennsylvania.  The Western Pennsylvania Division's Red Christmas Kettle Campaign goal is slightly more than 2.8 million dollars.  The Allegheny County goal is set at $785,000.

Worship and Service Centers that are trailing behind last year's figures, include: Allegheny Valley; Butler; Corry; Franklin; Greensburg; Huntingdon; Jeannette; Latrobe; McKeesport; Meadville; Monessen; New Kensington/Kiski Valley; Punxsutawney; Sharon/Mercer; Uniontown; Warren; Washington; and Pittsburgh's Homewood, Northside, Pittsburgh/Mt. Lebanon Temple Corps, Steel Valley/Homestead, and Westside

Donors have an abundance of online social media options.  You may give online by logging onto www.OnlineRedKettle.org.  Contributors can also text the words "GIVEPGH" to 80888 to make a $10 donation to support the campaign.  The gift will appear as a charge on the donor's next mobile phone bill.  The Salvation Army also offers a free update for the iPhone virtual "Bellringer" application by logging onto bellringer.salvationarmyusa.org.  The update includes new video content and also enables donations to The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign via text message.  This free app enables friends and supporters of The Salvation Army to share in the tradition of being a Salvation Army bellringer by ringing a virtual bell right on their phone. 

Volunteers and kettle sites are desperately needed.  For more information in either volunteering at a kettle or providing a site, contact your local Salvation Army.  If you are in Allegheny County, contact Jocelyn Karsesnick at 412-446-1637.  Families are encouraged and welcomed to volunteer.

Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865.  Today, it provides critical services in 126 countries worldwide.  The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services.  To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log onto www.salvationarmy-wpa.org.  The Salvation Army … Doing the most good . . . for the most people . . . in the most need.

SOURCE Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division