Although the Salvation Army in both Trumbull and Mahoning counties were short of reaching their goals for the red kettle campaigns in November and December, organizers said it was a successful collection season.

Captain John Esker of the Trumbull County Salvation Army said its kettle campaign raised $113,000, which was $4,000 short of its $117,000 goal.

“We reached 98% of our goal. We had dedicated volunteers helping this year, which made a difference. The public always steps up to help. Our donors and volunteers are the ones who really make the difference for us,” Esker said.

He said even though the goal was short $4,000, the total for 2025 was $8,000 more than the 2024 collection total of $105,000.

Esker said while the kettle campaign season is over, he expects additional checks and donations to still arrive.

Ramona Ramsey, kettle coordinator for the Salvation Army of Trumbull County, said the red kettle campaign began Nov. 12 and continued through Dec. 24.

The campaign had reached more than $36,000 as of early December with collection sites in and around the Eastwood Mall and Giant Eagle stores in the area.

She said this year, many groups were volunteering, including churches, Masonic lodges, companies, township trustees, real estate agencies and families.

MAHONING COUNTY

Mandy Hoover, development and public relations manager for Salvation Army Northeast Ohio, said the Salvation Army of Mahoning County kettle campaign had a goal of $210,000 and was able to raise $209,000.

She said in recent years, the Mahoning collection has been able to generate more than $200,000.

Hoover said donations placed in the red kettles help feed families at the holidays and provide toys for children. She said the Salvation Army has been seeing an increased need, with more families seeking assistance for the holidays in terms of food and toys.

“Every year since the pandemic there has been an increased need for help. The need has never been greater. There has already been an increase from families needing food and now we continue to see an increase for items for the Christmas holiday,” Hoover said.