The Ringing of The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Bells Signals the Start of Christmas
Cleveland, OH (November 28th, 2024) – The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettle campaign officially begins today at the start of the Christmas season. In their 133rd 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 $400,000 to help fund essential services such as food pantries, rent and utility assistance, senior programming, youth recreation, overnight summer camp for children aged 6-12, and hot meal programs.
“2024 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 Center wants to ensure we can help make life better for all our neighbors in need throughout <insert community name> this holiday season and throughout the year,” stated Captain Joel Ashcraft, Divisional Secretary of The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland.
The Salvation Army continues to make giving at the iconic red kettles easier than ever. Nationwide, The Salvation Army continues to offer cashless giving options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo at the kettle, which stands simply by a “bump” or a QR code scan. “Contactless giving at the kettles is a blessing. 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 RegistertoRing.com,” explained Ashcraft.
The Salvation Army Red Kettles have been active since 1891 to assist those in need. The Kettle campaign has been happening for 133 years and is one of the longest-running and most recognizable campaigns.
To volunteer to stand at a kettle, visit RegistertoRing.com. To donate to The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland to help families this holiday season, or for more information, call 216.861.8185.