The Salvation Army’s Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division noted that Red Kettle donations are down nearly 33%, while requests for assistance have surged more than 40% over this time last year.

So today, the organization is challenging the community to help raise $1.5 million through the National Commander’s Challenge.

Donations collected in red kettles will be matched.

“Without the help from our community members, we will not reach that little child who is on the verge of not having a Christmas this year,” said Lt. Colonel Larry Ashcraft, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania & Delaware Division. “This long-standing tradition has helped the Army assist our neighbors in need for more than a century, and this year, we need your support more than ever before.

“Please join us in this important endeavor. Donate what you can to a kettle or online. Ring a bell at a Red Kettle. Real people are depending on us. Every gift counts.”

Donations stay local to help neighbors in need.

Not only will the money go toward The Salvation Army’s holiday assistance programs, it will help The Salvation Army sustain its food pantries and distribution programs, shelter and housing programs, case management programs, recreational and educational programs for youth, and much more.