The iconic Salvation Army red kettles are a familiar sight every Christmas season. But what are they doing out in July?
The Western PA Division of the Salvation Army is celebrating “Christmas in July” in Allegheny County by fundraising at various locations throughout the month.
Divisional Director of Development Fran Brace says the Salvation Army is filling a $64,000 funding gap created by last year’s shortened collection season.
“Thanksgiving was later, and so that definitely had an effect on us raising dollars to help people in need,” Brace said.
While the Army has organized “Christmas in July” during previous summers, it is only done as-needed. The funding will go to specific programs, such as back-to-school initiatives that buy supplies for lower-income students.
Thanksgiving will fall later in the year again next fall, so “I definitely see it ramping up and actually being bigger next summer," Brace said.
Dates and times of collection for the month depend on the preferences of vendor locations. According to Brace, there are fewer collection locations than during the Christmas season, but they include many storefronts and even the outside of PNC Park during Pirates games.
