NEBURYPORT — The Salvation Army's Massachusetts division is issuing a final statewide urgent appeal for donations to its 2022 Red Kettle Campaign, as donations are down more than 23 percent statewide compared to last year. last.

The division has a goal of raising $2.6 million through red teapots this year to serve everyone in need throughout the year, according to a press release sent out by the organization. The well-known Red Kettle campaign is in its 132nd year and represents The Salvation Army's largest annual fundraiser worldwide. As part of the Massachusetts Division's Urgent Final Appeal for 2022, online donors are encouraged to donate $22 on Thursday, December 2. 22 using the virtual kettle that can be found at https://salarmy.us/MassRedKettle.

Newburyport Salvation Army Corps Captain Jessica Berkhoudt told The Daily News her office has been bombarded with requests for help this year.

“With gas and food cost inflation, our phones have been ringing off the hook for people who need specific fuel assistance, and just as the donations roll in, they're out again. and so we're trying to create an effort where we can help all the people who are calling,” Berkhoudt said. “Some of these are families who don't actually have heat, who have kids and are desperately calling, saying they get gas assistance, but it's still not enough to help them because everything is so expensive right now.

“I could talk about the need for fuel assistance in this area for a long time because it is a crisis. There are people who have never struggled in this area before who are struggling right now and don't know where to turn, so they call The Salvation Army hoping for assistance or help. and so far we have been able to continue to meet the need with the donations that are coming in, but because we have not reached our Kettle Campaign long-term goal of continuing to help people over the holiday season and into the rest of the winter in the cold months, we are projecting losses to be able to do that, so it is a concern of ours.”

Berkhoudt said he thinks a combination of inflation and online options keeping people away from in-person shopping have contributed to lower-than-normal donations.

In a statement sent by The Salvation Army, Massachusetts Division Commander Maj. Everett Henry highlighted how people can help without leaving home.

“Inflation and the high cost of living are just the latest challenge for millions of Americans, and tens of thousands of individuals and families in Massachusetts, who face the threat of poverty every day,” Henry said. “The love and generosity of our neighbors have been with us and those in need during a global pandemic, an ongoing opioid crisis, an affordable housing shortage, and more. Thursday Dec. On February 22, we think many of them will pause and take a moment to click on our virtual kettle.”

Berkhoudt said he hopes the community will emerge and lead them to their goal.

“Everyone is a neighbor and they treat everyone as a neighbor. And so, thanks to the generosity of this community, we haven't had to turn anyone away yet. and I hope I can say that in February and March and April as well. and that's why we're raising these funds,” Berkhoudt said.

For more information, visit SalvationArmyMA.org.

Matt Petry covers Amesbury and Salisbury for The Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: [email protected].