The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County’s signature annual campaign exceeded its goal by nearly $900,000, despite initial projections that donations would be down because of COVID-19.
The 2020 Red Kettle Campaign brought in $4.04 million, surpassing the Salvation Army’s original target of $3.15 million. Two gifts from anonymous donors amounted to more than $1 million, and about $530,000 came from donations collected in red kettles.
The campaign ran from Nov. 13 to Dec. 24.
“The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County made a call for help to Rescue Christmas in 2020, and our community answered at the red kettle,” said Major Steve Woodard, coordinator for The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County. “In a year of unprecedented need, we expected a possible 50% decrease in fundraising at the red kettle. Instead, we were able to exceed our goal and provide help to so many in need. That is because of partners, donors, and tireless workers who stepped up amid the affects by COVID-19 in 2020.”
The campaign brought in about $3.7 million in 2019.
The campaign supports The Salvation Army’s more than 80 programs and services in Milwaukee County, such as the Emergency Lodge homeless shelter, Feed the Kids summer meals program, Coats for Kids program, Toy Shop program, Christmas Family Feast, food pantries, and emergency assistance for individuals and families both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 related.
“The Salvation Army met greater need in 2020 due to COVID-19 than ever before, but the need continues in 2021,” Woodard said.
