The Salvation Army of Savannah is reporting lower-than-expected revenue from their annual holiday-season Red Kettle Campaign, and its leaders are encouraging Chatham County residents to continue donating to the fundraising effort online after the campaign’s iconic bell ringers complete their mission on Christmas Eve.

According to a press release issued by Savannah’s Salvation Army branch on Dec. 23, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused requests for the organization’s services to rise precipitously in Chatham County, while donations to the annual Red Kettle Campaign have been lagging this holiday season.

However, while Dec. 24 is the last day for area residents to assist the Salvation Army at a physical red-kettle donation station around Savannah, an online portal will continue to accept offerings that will specifically help Chatham County beneficiaries until Dec. 31.

“The Red Kettle Campaign is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and it is imperative we meet our goal,” said Major Paul Egan with the Salvation Army of Savannah. “Since March, our organization has provided more than 23,000 meals, safe shelter to 5,285 individuals, and emotional and spiritual support to over 150 people in need. We have worked tirelessly to help children, families and individuals who were and still are struggling financially, emotionally, and spiritually.”

Egan added that economic hardships caused by the pandemic are straining the Salvation Army’s resources.

“This holiday season, our organization has seen a greater need for our services − more than any in recent history,” Egan said.

Salvation Army leadership is asking anyone who can donate to the Red Kettle Campaign to visit RedKettleSAV.givesmart.com before Dec. 31, while the organization’s other digital donation platforms include Apple Pay and Google Pay, or any amount can be given by texting “RedKettleSAV” to 76278.

“Our organization could serve up to 155% more people in Christmas assistance due to COVID-19,” Egan said. “We have made if safer and simpler to donate in order to support those in need of help and hope in the Coastal Empire. Every dollar goes straight back to the Savannah community.”

This article appears in Dec 23-29, 2020.