The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division is making an urgent plea for help across the Commonwealth as donations to the organization’s Red Kettles are down more than 50 percent from 2018 across Massachusetts, with only days left in the Red Kettle Season.

The potential crisis situation means communities in every corner of Massachusetts are at risk of losing critical assistance for a wide range of programming and services, including shelters for children and families, disaster response, meal programs, clothing and energy assistance.

“Each year we are reminded that many individuals and families are struggling just for the basic necessities,” said Major Marcus Jugenheimer, general secretary, Salvation Army. “With less than a week to go in the 2019 Red Kettle Campaign, we desperately need the public’s help so we can meet the anticipated need for 2020. Together, we can all make a difference in the lives of those who need our help.”

The Salvation Army has set a $3.8 million fundraising goal for its 2019 Red Kettle Campaign, in order to help individuals and families throughout Massachusetts. The Salvation Army expects that the number of people in need across the Commonwealth will be at, or near, record levels this year.

The Salvation Army is making it easier for donors to give back during the Christmas season by making a gift with Apple Pay or Google Pay at the iconic Red Kettles. Smart chips and QR codes have been placed on Red Kettle signs across Massachusetts, allowing shoppers to simply “bump” or scan their phones to make a digital donation.

Funding shortages are threatening programs and emergency assistance throughout Massachusetts in 2020.

“We’re very fortunate to have staff, volunteers and donors who dedicate so much of their time and effort to ensure that we can continue to provide crucial social services and education programming to help those in need,” said Major Jugenheimer.  “This Red Kettle campaign is a holiday tradition for generations of New Englanders and it is especially important to help fund these vital programs in the coming year.”

The shortfall comes as The Salvation Army is marking its 136^th anniversary in the Commonwealth. The Salvation Army opened its first corps in the City of Lawrence in 1883; a community that it still serves today. Since that time, the organization has continued to grow and serve more individuals with additional programs and services at its 40 centers of operation in Massachusetts.

Last year, The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division provided more than 3.5 million meals to people in need statewide. It also assisted 499,416 individuals, families, and seniors with support and services, and over 174,000 toys and gifts for children during the holidays. The Salvation Army also provided energy assistance, housing, childcare and education programming across the state. Much of the funds for these goods and services comes from the annual Red Kettle Campaign. Recent economic indicators show that poverty levels remain largely unchanged across the state, despite a strong economy.

The Red Kettles debuted in Boston in 1897 and the Red Kettle Campaign has been a tradition ever since. Today, The Salvation Army assists more than four-and-a-half million people in the United States during Thanksgiving and Christmas each year.