With heightened restrictions imposed statewide by New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, The Salvation Army has removed all its iconic Red Kettles from storefronts across the state until further notice. Here is a statement from the Salvation Army:
The funds raised through the Red Kettles were already at risk this year due to COVID-19 during a time when requests for services are at an all-time high.
“This was not an easy decision, but the health and safety of our clients, officers, staff, volunteers, and all New Mexicans is of the highest priority,” said Lt. Colonel Kelly Pontsler, Commander of The Salvation Army Southwest Division.
“The Salvation Army was already estimating a nearly 50 percent decrease in funds raised through Red Kettles due to economic impacts from COVID-19,” added Pontsler. “This at a time when the Army anticipates serving up to 155 percent more people nationwide this Christmas because of the pandemic, so we need help now more than ever to ‘Rescue Christmas’ for our New Mexico neighbors in need.”
Donations to The Salvation Army New Mexico can be made safely and securely online at RedKettleNewMexico.org. You can also give by texting RedKettles to 51555.
Your generous gift can help feed the hungry, shelter and clothe the homeless, provide rent and utilities assistance for families struggling financially, put presents under the Christmas tree, and more.
Donations to the Red Kettles traditionally comprise 22 percent of gifts to The Salvation Army in New Mexico for the entire year, helping assist nearly 125,000 New Mexicans annually.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, clothing and shelter for the homeless, disaster and heat relief, senior activity and outreach, adult rehabilitation, and opportunities for underprivileged children, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. Approximately 82 cents of every dollar donated to The Salvation Army are used to support its social services. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities,” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately-