The act of giving is what makes the holiday season such a magical time. There may not be a better example of giving than The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.
“I like to say that we were the original crowdfunders,” says Julie Budden, divisional director of development for Salvation Army’s Southwest Ohio Northeast Kentucky Division.
The Red Kettle Campaign started in 1891 in San Francisco, when a Salvation Army officer put out a lobster pot to collect donations to help feed 1,000 people on Christmas Day. The ringing of the bell was added in 1900 in New York as a volunteer was trying to get the attention of bankers on Wall Street to donate. The tradition has continued since and grown to help more than 31 million during the holidays.
One of the unique benefits of giving to the Red Kettle Campaign is that the donations stay in your zip code.
“Funds raised stay local to a community to serve those needs,” Budden says. “In the last few years and already this year, we are seeing an increase in requests for things like rental assistance, which helps with prevention of homelessness, utilities, as well as basic essentials like food, clothing or emergency needs.
“At Christmas time, families who may need to make challenging choices on a tight budget can turn to us for support,” she adds. “We believe no child should be forgotten at Christmas and with the help of generous contributions, we can meet the immediate and longer term needs of families all year long. The Salvation Army’s love extends far beyond the moment of service.”
Salvation Army’s Red Kettles can be found at local Kroger and Walmart stores as well as other retail locations throughout the region. Donate beyond the Red Kettle by giving online or via text message. The Salvation Army, which has been operating since 1865, is also supported by corporate donations, grants and in-kind donations.
Giving the gift of your time is another way to help Salvation Army.
“We have volunteer opportunities available and going to our website can help you identify your closest location for year-round opportunities as well as bell ringing,” Budden says. “Bell ringing shifts are usually two hours, and it can be somewhere close to your neighborhood. Many families bring their children and make this an annual tradition.”
One of the great ambassadors of the Red Kettle Campaign was longtime Cincinnati radio host Jim Scott who passed away last summer. His wife and son have urged the community to volunteer with The Salvation Army this holiday season in his honor.
“One of the things Jim loved most about Cincinnati was that everybody is always willing to help lift the community,” Budden says.
The Red Kettle campaign began at Thanksgiving and continues until Christmas Eve.
“I cherish the holiday tradition of hearing the sound of the bells every year because you know Christmas is on the way and someone’s Christmas will be better because of you and your contribution, big or small,” Budden says. “The Salvation Army kettles and bells are a reminder to give to others and it feels good, like the true spirit of Christmas, loving your neighbor.”
This Red Kettle season, follow the jingle of the bell to give in-person, send the text KETTLE to 31333, volunteer time or donate gifts online. SalArmy.org/SWONEKY