The Salvation Army's Doria: 'Each kettle will need to raise $5,434 during the season to reach the goal'

The Salvation Army Galveston County is turning to technology in order to have a successful Red Kettle campaign this holiday season, according to a report from Houston FOX affiliate KRIV. 

According to the organization’s Major Nathanael Doria, KRIV reported, changes in how people shop and donate have made it hard to maintain the usual physical kettle locations people are used to seeing. 

"The Salvation Army has worked hard all year to make the Virtual Kettle option easier than ever for our community to support," Doria said, the station reported.

KRIV reported that an increase in businesses and organizations in virtual kettle sponsorships could provide more opportunities to contribute. 

Doria said that there will be “13 physical kettles and 33 virtual ones” to help The Salvation Army Galveston County meet its 2022 goal of $250,000, or 10% of its annual budget, the station reported. 

“Each kettle will need to raise $5,434 during the season to reach the goal,” he told KRIV. “This will help us start 2023 in a favorable position to continue serving those in need who come to us for food, shelter and emergency assistance.”

Per The Salvation Army’s website, the Red Kettle campaign dates back to 1891 when Joseph McFee, a captain with the faith-based organization, came across individuals in San Francisco who had nothing to eat. 

The heartbreaking sight instilled in McFee a determination to help the destitute and poverty-stricken, but he faced financial challenges with the initiative. 

Remembering his time as a sailor in England, he came up with the idea of placing a large, iron kettle near the Oakland Ferry Landing, which collected enough money for him to feed the poor he vowed to help.

Doria told KRIV that several major holiday events and sponsorships will help his organization move closer toward its goal. 

The station reported that nine physical locations with 13 kettles throughout the county will have bell ringers on hand. 

To learn more about the Red Kettle campaign and other Salvation Army programs, visit salvationarmyusa.org.