This browser does not support the Video element.
Waukesha Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign falling short
Leaders with Waukesha’s Salvation Army are getting nervous before Red Kettle donations wrap up next week. Donations aren’t on track to meet their goal.
WAUKESHA, Wis. - Leaders with Waukesha’s Salvation Army are getting nervous before Red Kettle donations wrap up next week.
Donations aren’t on track to meet their goal.
Bells ringing for the Red Kettle Campaign
What we know:
It's a familiar sound of the season rings a little different this year.
"Kettles is really something that we must collect. The kettle amount is, like, strictly written in our next year’s budget," said Major Victor Stasiuc.
Putting some money in the Red Kettle
The Salvation Army of Waukesha’s Red Kettle Campaign kicked off on Nov. 8.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android
Coming up short
Big picture view:
It wraps up next week. Major Stasiuc says the organization hopes to collect $350,000.
In the final few days of the campaign, they’re only at 65% of their goal.
"Basically, we are really praying," Major Stasiuc added.
Making matters worse, is access.
Tap to give to the Red Kettle Campaign
Leaders say they were shut out of six stores this year that, together in 2024, brought in $65,000.
"The funds are so important. And as they are coming in, we’re watching. We’re making sure that those funds are going to be enough," said Social Services Director Matricia Patterson.
Patterson says the shelter houses 230 unique individuals throughout the year – a number that’s been on the rise since the pandemic.
"Right now, it’s quality, and it will still be quality. We’ll continue the quality services, but we know that we’ll have to make some really difficult choices," added Patterson.
The Salvation Army
Operational costs are up.
Stasiuc likens the Salvation Army’s financial situation to being between a hammer and an anvil.
He’s hoping for a Christmas miracle, knowing hundreds of lives depend on it.
"It makes me nervous, of course. It’s just one week," said Major Stasiuc.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
Ringing bells through Christmas Eve
What's next:
Salvation Army bell ringers will be out in Waukesha County through Christmas Eve, when the Red Kettle Campaign comes to an end.
Red Kettle donations also fell short last year by about $30,000.
Leaders are also banking on an additional $350,000 dollars from mail and online donations.
Those funds have lagged this year too.
The Source: FOX6 spoke with the Waukesha Salvation Army to produce this story.