PORTLAND, OR (Dec. 22, 2022) – The Salvation Army Cascade Division will close its Portland Christmas Warehouse, located at the Lloyd Center’s former Marshall’s retail store at NE 14^th Ave. and NE Halsey St. today at 3 p.m. due to the expected dangerous winter storm conditions.  People with toy pick-up reservations at 3 p.m. or after should plan to arrive earlier in the day.  Additionally, all Red Kettles will cease ringing at the same time and remain closed tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 23; a crucial Salvation Army fundraiser at retail partners across the Tri-County area, including Fred Meyer, Walmart, Bi-Mart, Albertsons and Safeway.  Red Kettles typically ring through Dec. 24.

Major Bob Lloyd, Portland Metro Coordinator at The Salvation Army Cascade Division, said the decision to close Angel Tree locations and Red Kettles early was in the spirit of safety.

“Despite the Christmas season being the biggest fundraising opportunity of the year and with a goal of raising $450,000 to help local families in need, sometimes weather conditions are so severe that it’s necessary to put our staff and volunteers’ safety before fundraising,” said Major Lloyd.  “With today’s impending storm, it’s simply not safe for our bell ringers.  As you know, donations at this time are critical to help those in need, including finding shelter from the storm at our cold weather shelters in Multnomah and Washington County.  Even with the bells silenced we ask that you would donate online so we can continue to provide our services to those in need.”

The financial impact of the early Red Kettle closure is expected to impact overall gross earnings significantly and at a time when The Salvation Army Cascade Division is short $150,000 compared to gross earnings from last year.  Please consider donating online here: https://salarmy.us/givepdx2022 to keep your funds in the local community.

The Salvation Army Cascade Division’s headquarters is located in Happy Valley.  For more information, please call (503) 794-3286 or visit www.portland.salvationarmy.org.

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About The Salvation Army 

The Salvation Army annually helps 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter: @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood