The Ringing of The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Bells Signals the Start of Christmas
Cleveland, OH (November 25th, 2022) – The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettle campaign officially begins today to ring in the start of the Christmas season. In its 131st year, the red kettles are a fixture outside many retailers, with bellringers focused on raising funds to help folks in their local communities. The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland has a goal to raise $550,000 that will help support the food pantry, rent and utility assistance, after-school learning, and hot meal programs.
“With needs continuing to increase and skyrocketing inflation, this year’s kettle campaign will be critical to help support year-round programming efforts. Our Corps Community Center wants to ensure we can Love Beyond Christmas for all our neighbors in need throughout Greater Cleveland. Our goal is to stay focused on supporting families and neighbors in need not only at Christmas but all year long,” stated Major Thomas Applin, Divisional Secretary, The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland Area Services.
Giving at the iconic red kettles has never been easier. Nationwide, The Salvation Army will continue offering Apple Pay/Google Pay at the kettle stands. Donors can also give via PayPal and Venmo at the kettles simply by a “bump” or a scan of a QR code to make an online donation with their smartphones. “Contactless giving options at the kettles are a blessing. Since the pandemic, people are carrying less cash & coins; adding Venmo and PayPal to Apple Pay & Google Pay will help us engage more individuals this holiday season,” said Major Applin.
Volunteers are a critical piece to The Salvation Army’s red kettle campaign. Every 2 hours that a volunteer stands at a red kettle, The Salvation Army can provide 104 meals to local neighbors in need.
“The Salvation Army is always in need of volunteers to come out to your favorite retail location to ring the bell for a few hours. There is a quick and easy way to sign up to volunteer at SAVolunteer.org for a date, time, and location that works in your schedule,” explained Major Applin.
The Salvation Army Red Kettles have been active since 1891 to assist those in need. The Kettle campaign has been happening for 131 years and is one of the longest-running and most recognizable campaigns.
To volunteer to stand at a kettle, visit SAVolunteer.org. To make a donation to The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland to help families this holiday season, or for more information, call 216.861.8185.