The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division is urging the community to donate to this year's Red Kettle Campaign: Rescue Christmas as it faces an expected fundraising shortfall due to the many impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

So far, in Butler County the Salvation Army has raised $24,270, which is 30% of its goal of $80,000.

The division's total fundraising goal is $2.3 million.

The current fundraising report reflects a national shortfall in Red Kettle donations that can be attributed to an increase in online shopping and a decrease in people shopping at brick-and-mortar stores due to the pandemic.

To donate online, visit www.salvationarmywpa.org/RescueChristmas, or donate digitally with Apple Pay or Google Pay at a physical red kettle site at area stores.