The Salvation Army: Call for donations

With one week left until Christmas, the Salvation Army Massachusetts Division is urging residents to support the Red Kettle Campaign.

Donations are down about 24 percent from last year as inflation and housing costs continue to strain families. Demand for services has increased statewide.

Red Kettle funds support Christmas meals and gifts, emergency rent and utility assistance, and shelter. All donations stay in the communities where they are collected. Volunteer bell ringers typically raise enough to provide nearly 250 meals in their towns.

The organization serves every ZIP code in Massachusetts and is seeking support across the state.

The Massachusetts Division aims to raise more than $2.3 million through the “Give With Joy” Red Kettle Campaign. Donations are accepted at Red Kettles and online at salvationarmyma.org/redkettle.