CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Salvation Army of Charleston is confident they’ll reach a goal of $200,000 in Red Kettle donations when the campaign ends Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.
Volunteers have raised $178,000 so far this holiday season, according to Major Brooks Gilliam. He said he was concerned less donations would pour in this year because many people gave back to families impacted by the June 23 flood.
“I was very worried going in, but folks have been very generous,” Gilliam said.
Gilliam called this last week “the final push” before gifts are delivered to families.
“Putting together left over toys, going and surprising people,” he said. “It some cases, just leaving toys off on the porch if they’re not home and providing Christmas. This is the week that it makes all of the hard work worth it.”
The donations will go toward food, clothing and shelter.
Gilliam said it feels good to help people in need.
“It warms your heart a little bit more every day to see the families come in, the appreciation, in some cases, tears — they didn’t think they were going to provide Christmas and the joy that was on their face when they saw that,” he said.
Charleston’s Red Kettle Campaign kicked off Nov. 11.
To make a donation, visit salvationarmyusa.org or text “WVA” to 7177.