The Salvation Army’s giant red kettle is on display in Times Square for donation on Tuesday, before traveling to other locations around the city and returning at Christmas.

WASHINGTON – As the holiday season approaches, The Salvation Army reports that it has seen increased demand for assistance nationwide, fueled by a combination of economic pressures and devastating natural disasters.

In 2023, the Salvation Army responded to 4,307 DISASTER in the United States, including Hurricane Idalia, flooding and wildfires. However, the organization warns that this year’s response efforts far exceeded that number.

The international charity reports it is in the midst of its biggest response since at least 2020, with ten states affected by hurricanes Beryl, Debby, Francine, Helen and Milton.

“While the Salvation Army disaster services are focused on meeting immediate needs in the days and weeks following a natural disaster, that’s not where it ends. The Salvation Army will remain in affected communities as long as the need persists, providing services such as financial assistance, case management, long-term housing, child care, job training and other offerings that help individuals and families get up and stay. there,” Kenneth Hodder, the Salvation Army’s national commander, said in a statement.

This NOAA NCEI map shows the approximate location of all US billion dollar disasters for 2024.

(NOAA / NOAA)

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The organization expressed its gratitude for donations made in response to recent disasters, but stressed that fundraisers such as its flagship Red Kettle Campaign will be crucial as the year draws to a close.

This year’s fundraiser will begin when the New York Giants face off Dallas The Cowboys during the game on Thanksgiving and going through Christmas Eve, but expect to face challenges.

Because of the lateness of Thanksgiving in the calendar year, the campaign season will be five days shorter than usual, which may affect total donations by more than $13 million, a spokesman said. FOX Weather.

The organization is also experiencing a decline in volunteers, a trend seen across the country.

The Salvation Army reported a 50 percent drop in volunteers compared to previous years, which can mean a difference of $40 to $50 an hour at each donation site.

Despite the headwinds, Hodder expressed optimism, noting that “the American public always rises to the occasion to support their neighbors in need.”

Salvation Army members play music as they light the world’s largest red kettle in Times Square in New York, U.S., Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020. The kettle symbolizes the huge need for giving this year due to Covid-19 and will travel throughout New York this holiday season, including Madison Square Park, the Meatpacking District and Wall Street.

(Photo: Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Getty Images)

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The Salvation Army said it has expanded its digital donation options in recent years, allowing donors to contribute via Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Venmo to the kettle.

Supporters can also donate to salvationarmyusa.organd volunteers interested in helping out as bell ringers can sign up at registertoring.com.

A change in the weather, from typically calm fall days to more extreme events in the winter, can affect how generous shoppers are as they pass by donation sites.

According to clinical psychologistsdays marked by snow or extreme cold can limit donations, as people tend to be less aware of their surroundings during severe weather compared to calmer, milder days.