The Ringing of The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Bells Signals the Start of Christmas
Cleveland, OH (November 24th, 2023) – The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettle campaign officially begins today at the start of the Christmas season. In their 132nd year, the red kettles are a fixture outside many retailers, with bellringers committed to raising funds to help folks in their local communities. The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland aims to raise $550,000 that will help fund essential services such as food pantries, rent and utility assistance, after-school learning, and hot meal programs.
“2023 has continued to see families struggle with economic instability and increasing prices on essential items. This year’s kettle campaign will be critical to help support year-round programming efforts to help local families. Our Corps Community Centers want to ensure we can help make life better for all our neighbors in need throughout Greater Cleveland this holiday season and throughout the year,” stated Captain Joel Ashcraft, Divisional Secretary, The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland Area Services.
The Salvation Army continues to make giving at the iconic red kettles easier than ever. Nationwide, The Salvation Army will offer cashless giving options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Venmo at the kettle stands simply by a “bump” or a scan of a QR code. “Contactless giving at the kettles is a blessing. Since the pandemic, people are carrying less cash and coins; adding Venmo and PayPal to Apple Pay and Google Pay will help us engage more individuals this holiday season,” said Captain Ashcraft.
Volunteers are a critical piece to The Salvation Army’s red kettle campaign. Every two hours volunteering at a red kettle translates to 104 meals that The Salvation Army can provide to our neighbors in need.
“The Salvation Army always needs volunteers to come out to their favorite retail location to ring the bell for a few hours. There is a quick and easy way to sign up to volunteer at SalvationArmyCleveland.org,” explained Captain Ashcraft.
The Salvation Army Red Kettles have been active since 1891 to assist those in need. The Kettle campaign has been happening for 132 years and is one of the longest-running and most recognizable campaigns.