The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation is matching every dollar dropped into the Salvation Army's red kettles in Hawaii this holiday season, up to $200,000. Weinberg Foundation will
match red kettle donationsStar-Bulletin staff
The offer was made since the Salvation Army expects a decrease in contributions because fewer locations are permitting its bell ringers to solicit donations this year.
Last year, there were 130 shopping malls and storefronts in Hawaii where red kettles were located.
Corporate policy changes prohibiting public solicitation will probably result in an estimated 20 percent reduction in contributions or a $100,000 loss, Salvation Army officials said.
"A few of our shopping malls and local supermarkets have been acquired by mainland companies that adopt a no-solicitation policy or a time reduction allowed for solicitation," said Maj. Ralph Hood, divisional commander of the Salvation Army's Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division. "This greatly affects our ability to be out in areas where there is heavy traffic of people who are given the opportunity to drop their donations."
The red kettle donations are used to help families in need during the holiday season and for charitable programs throughout the year.
Salvation Army Hawaii