KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Salvation Army is seeing a larger need than before due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and they hope people will lend a hand to help.
“Our needs are up 155 percent," Maj. David Harvey, Kansas and Western Missouri divisional commander, said. "There’s a lot of food insecurity, people worried about Christmas, utilities and rents coming due."
COVID-19 is not just increasing demand but imposing challenges on how the Salvation Army collects donations.
The Red Kettle campaign is the Salvation Army’s largest fundraiser, but this year, there are less kettles because of the pandemic.
To help with donations, the Salvation Army turned to technology and placed smart chips and QR codes on red kettle signs across the metro. Donors scan their phone and can make a customizable donation online, which is contactless.
“Our major fear is, 'Will there be enough money to serve all of the families that we have to?'” Harvey said.
