Christmas Challenge: Donor Matches Encourage Giving in Final Week of Bell Ringing
Christmas is just days away, but thanks to a small group of Salvation Army donors in Central Indiana, donations made online and in storefront Red Kettles will be matched during the final days of the annual Christmas campaign. Donations made from December 17 through Christmas Eve (December 24) will be doubled up to $50,000 for Red Kettle gifts and up to $10,000 for gifts made to the Central Indiana Virtual Red Kettle.
"As we head into the final days of our Red Kettle campaign we know that every dollar counts more than ever," said Major Marc Johnson, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army Indiana Division. "By matching the donations of shoppers and our online donors, these generous friends of the Army are providing more than just an extra boost to help us reach our goal. They are providing the funds that we will need to feed, shelter, and care for Hoosiers throughout 2022."
One of the donors pooling their funds for the $50,000 Red Kettle match is Flanner Buchanan, which has been serving the Central Indiana community with care and compassion since 1881. They are joined by several anonymous donors who are passionate about the many ways The Salvation Army works within their community.
The annual Red Kettle Campaign has a goal of raising $3.3 million through the iconic Red Kettles located throughout Central Indiana. Shoppers looking for a Red Kettle during the $50,000 match period will be able to find bell ringers at Walmart, Sam's Club, Kroger, Big Lots, JCPenney, Rural King, Cabela's, Macy's, Walgreens, Emagine Theaters, Needler's Fresh Market, Hobby Lobby, and Simon Malls.
Volunteer bell ringers are still needed for this final week of fundraising. Anyone interested in volunteering to ring a bell this holiday season is invited to visit RegisterToRing.com and find a location, date, and time that works for their schedule.
VIRTUAL RED KETTLE: $10,000 MATCH
Not all of The Salvation Army's volunteer bell ringers are standing outside of storefronts this year. Almost 50 people have signed up as "virtual bell ringers" for the 2021 Virtual Red Kettle Campaign, which has a goal of raising $50,000 online through a peer-to-peer fundraising platform. These volunteers have their very own Virtual Red Kettles with personal fundraising goals.
The Ricker Family Foundation has offered a $10,000 match for the Virtual Red Kettle during the same dates as the $50,000 in-person Red Kettle match. This means that anyone who donates to the Central Indiana Virtual Red Kettle Campaign between December 17 and Christmas Eve will have their donations automatically matched until the $10,000 limit is reached. This is an exciting development and gives those who cannot get out to visit a Red Kettle a chance to still double their donation during this special week through these 24/7 online donation pages.
Become a virtual bell ringer, donate, or follow the campaign at salarmy.us/virtualkettle.