The Covid pandemic is changing the way the Salvation Army is approaching this holiday season in Spokane.
This week, during its annual Corporate Kettle Kick-off, 28 companies have provided people to ring bells at the Salvation Army’s red kettles. But Major Ken Perine says most of the kettles will be virtual, not physical, this year.
“We have a few less sites. Sometimes at grocery stores or certain places, locations, we use two doors. But because of the Covid in-and-out rule and the number of people allowed in the store, we’re knocking it down to one kettle site," he said.
Perine says the Salvation Army is putting more emphasis on collecting virtual donations.
He says this is the most important fundraising time for his organization and, because of Covid, there’s been more demand for its services.
“We’ve had a remarkable increase in the number of first-time people coming to visit us, so that part has been pretty amazing. On top of that, our expenses have really skyrocketed because of how much we’re giving out and doing. This Christmas season, with the kettles, we really need to be hitting our goal," Perine said.
The Salvation Army will hold a virtual holiday season party Friday at 5:30. You can register at CelebratetheSeasonSpokane.com.