2009 Red Kettle raises $139 million

2009 Red Kettle raises  $139 million, Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Raised Record $139 Million in 2009, The Salvation Army has announced that donations to its iconic Red Kettle campaign reached a record $139 million in 2009, topping the $130 million the campaign generated in 2008.

The amount raised represents a 7 percent year-over-year increase in donations to the campaign at a time when some local Salvation Army units are reporting a 400 percent increase in demand for social services, said Salvation Army national commander Israel L. Gaither. In 2009, Red Kettles were set up at some 25,000 locations across the country to raise money for food, shelter, rent, substance abuse treatment, and Christmas assistance for the more than 28 million people the Salvation Army serves each year.


Red Kettles located at Walmart and Sam's Club stores accounted for about 29 percent of the total raised during the 2009 holiday season, while the Walmart Foundation also made a direct donation of $1.25 million to the campaign. For the fifth consecutive year, the Salvation Army also rolled out an Online Red Kettle system, which raised more than $1.9 million, a 100 percent increase over 2008. The charity also solicited donations through a free Red Kettle iPhone application, which was downloaded by 59,000 individuals in forty-seven countries.

"America is an incredibly generous nation, and philanthropy is alive and well, despite the current economic conditions impacting so many," said Gaither. "We are grateful for every donor, volunteer, and corporate partner for supporting the Salvation Army's mission by giving more than ever during a time when some have so little to give."

Source:foundationcenter