Salvation Army’s red kettle campaign is back

(ABC 6 News) – The holiday season is having its official kick-off with the first day of the Salvation Army’s red kettle bell holiday campaign.

This holiday campaign is the non-profit’s most important fundraiser of the year. According to the Salvation Army’s Major Cornell Voeller, this campaign accounts for 33% of the organization’s yearly funds.

This year, the goal is to raise $1.1 million this Christmas to support families in need. The money also funds an array of programs, like the food shelf and rental assistance for struggling families.

“We will use the funds at Christmas time to provide Christmas toys and food to families, but it does carry into the next year as well,” said Major Voeller. “All the things the Salvation Army does really depends on what happens now during Christmas.”

If you do not carry cash, there are QR codes available on all the red kettle campaign signs to donate virtually.

The Salvation Army says they are always looking for volunteer bell ringers for two hour shifts. If you are interested, click here.

You can find bell ringers every day, except Sunday, at local stores from now until Christmas Eve.