Salvation Army isn't ringing up expected holiday-season donations

Jim Zwiertnia has been ringing bells for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign for the last 24 years.

Zwiertnia, 62, makes sure to say a friendly "thank you" whenever someone drops a donation into his red kettle outside the Jewel-Osco at 4729 N. Central Ave. in Portage Park.

But this year's "thank yous" have been few and far between, Zwiertnia said, because he isn't seeing as many donations as in previous years. "People tell me they don't have any cash to give," he said.

It seems Zwiertnia isn't the only bell ringer seeing fewer people donate to their kettles this year. The organization is currently behind on its holiday campaign donation goals, spokesperson Brian Duewel said.

The Salvation Army had hoped to raise $21 million this year in the Chicago area. Their goal is to raise 75% of those funds — or $15.75 million — during its holiday campaign. Not only is the organization currently behind on that goal, but donation numbers so far this year lag behind last year's totals for the same period.

"Being behind on our goal is a bit concerning because the money from the Christmas campaign funds our programs and services all year long," Duewel said. The money will be used for year-round services, including running food banks, after-school programs and shelters.

But there is still time, Duewel said. The Salvation Army's Christmas campaign runs through Jan. 31, so the organization has another month to reach its goal.

In 2023, the Salvation Army reached its fundraising goal of $18 million.

The Salvation Army helps more than 28 million people each year. The organization has a presence in 128 countries and programs in nearly every ZIP code in the United States.

This year the Salvation Army tested "tap to pay” options at 10 spots across northern and central Illinois, where donors can give by simply tapping a credit card. Kettles also feature QR codes for digital donations for those who don't carry cash.

Donations are also accepted at Give.SalvationArmyUSA.org.

Zwiertnia said the digital pay options are convenient, but many people don't know they can choose to give that way.

Although he's concerned that this year's giving isn't keeping pace with other years, Zwiertnia said donations tend to pick up around Christmas Day. He hopes people realize how important it is to give.

"It helps out the people who are more so in need," he said.