The Salvation Army’s Red Kettles Rapidly Approaching Christmas Eve Deadline
Cleveland, OH (December 15th, 2023) –In their 132nd year, the red kettles are a fixture outside many retailers, with bellringers focused on raising funds to help neighbors in their local community. The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland aims to raise $550,000 to run their year-round food pantry, rent and utility assistance, after-school programs, life skill development programs for adults and children, and many other programs designed to give hardworking families and individuals a hand up during difficult times.
“We are grateful for how our local community continues to rally support for the annual Red Kettle campaign. However, our job is not done yet. There are still nine days left in the Red Kettle campaign to achieve our goal of $550,000. We are only at 30% of our goal! Achieving this goal will allow us to continue to make life better not only at Christmas but to serve the least lost and forgotten neighbors in Greater Cleveland year-round,” stated Captain Joel Ashcraft, Divisional Secretary of The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland.
Beginning in 1891, The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign is one of the longest-running and most recognizable community campaigns.
The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland has experienced a 50% increase in Christmas assistance requests for toys and food this holiday season. “As inflation rises and wages remain stagnant, many families throughout Cuyahoga County are in difficult positions during the holiday season. We are ready to support almost 6,000 children and 2,500 families,” continued Ashcraft.
Volunteers are a critical piece to The Salvation Army’s red kettle campaign. Every 2 hours a volunteer stands at a red kettle; The Salvation Army can provide 104 meals to local needy neighbors.
“The Salvation Army always needs 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 SalvationArmyCleveland.org for a date, time, and location that works in your schedule,” explained Captain Ashcraft.
To volunteer to stand at a kettle or donate to The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland to help families this holiday season, or for more information, call 216.861.8185