The red kettle and the sound of the bell are familiar sights and sounds during the holidays. For more than a century, the Salvation Army kettles have been a fixture outside retailers this time of year. Bell-ringers are focused on raising money for the Salvation Army. But this year, the need is up, and donations are down. “We’re struggling a big in our donations,” said Captain Joel Ashcraft, Divisional Secretary of The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland.
“As inflation rises and wages remain stagnant, many families throughout Greater Cleveland are in difficult positions during the holiday season. We are ready to support almost 4,500 children and over 2,000 families,” said Ashcraft.On Monday, The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland distributed toys and food to families in need. In the Greater Cleveland area, Ashcraft said, 4,500 children will get gifts for Christmas. Bridgette Ivy’s son is one of them. “It means the world to me,” Ivy said.