“Alexa, donate to The Salvation Army, $25,” and it’s as easy as that.
Like many organizations this year, The Salvation Army of Central Virginia has pivoted to be safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. But through it all, it is still dedicated to serving the community.
According to a news story on The Salvation Army of Central Virginia’s website, The Salvation Army could see up to a 50% decrease in funds raised nationally through the red kettles, making this year’s fundraising push that much more important.
Nationally, The Salvation Army has launched its “Rescue Christmas” campaign geared toward getting the word out about its fundraising efforts, which not only support families during the holidays, but also throughout the following year.
“We’re disaster-service focused, and COVID is a whole new disaster,” said Katey Sanders, communications manager at The Salvation Army of Central Virginia. “This is our way of being on the frontline serving people, especially during this time of year, when its already hard enough – especially those facing poverty and homelessness. This group has been hit even harder this year, and a whole new group are experiencing this for the first time.”
If you’re looking for ways to get involved, here are the big efforts underway, some of which may look different from years past:
Adopt an Angel: The Angel Tree is available in physical locations and online and is helping to provide a Christmas experience for both youth and seniors.
Volunteer at the Christmas Center: Situated in the old Dick’s Sporting Goods at Stony Point Fashion Park, The Salvation Army of Central Virginia is looking for warehouse volunteers to help sort and organize gifts and donations.
Donate at a Kettle: Donations are super safe and simple this year: Use cash, Apple Pay, Google Pay or scan the QR code to donate online.
Host a Virtual Red Kettle: Competition and holidays don’t usually go together, but if you’re doing a fundraising competition, we’ll let it slide. This is new for 2020.
Volunteer as a bell ringer: The bells will still be ringing in 2020, but the hands holding them will be gloved and masks will be worn.
Through its Virtual Red Kettle campaign, The Salvation Army of Central Virginia has a $50,000 goal (at the time of publishing, it has raised $11,000). Over the course of the holidays, the organization anticipates aiding over 5,000 individuals with its Christmas services.
“The need has always been there, but this year it looks different,” Sanders said. “In a lot of ways, there is a greater need, and a need from the community to adapt how we serve. Our hope is to bring back the joy and comfort of Christmas.”
If you’d like to help give back that joy, visit The Salvation Army of Central Virginia’s Christmas 2020 page.
