*I participated in a campaign on behalf of Influence Central for The Salvation Army. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.
Tis’ the season, and the familiar red kettle rings for the holiday shoppers. Many of us see the kettles, but I would venture to guess that most of us seldom take pause and really think about the difference that their donations could make in the lives of 30 million people each year. That is an astounding number!
Background:
The Salvation Army is one of the world’s largest and oldest providers of social services. Originally established in London in 1865, the Army has been helping people for nearly 150 years internationally and for more than 130 years in the United States.
They help in SO many ways. One simple way you can help is to donate clothing or other household goods. We take donations to their store almost weekly, and it feels good knowing that 204,000 people receive rehabilitation services thanks to Goodwill Stores! The Salvation Army has helped 203,000 underprivileged children attend day care and daytime summer camps. Other ways they help include helping people during disasters, and feeding families during the holidays.
The Salvation Army has 7,600 operation centers in just about every zip code in the U.S. This allows them to help people
The Salvation Army‘s 124th National Red Kettle campaign is encouraging Americans to share their reasons for giving using #RedKettleReason.
How you can help:
Did you know that you can also from the comfort of your own home? Here are a couple of easy ways:
~Become a virtual bell ringer and help to raise money for your local community by creating an Online Red Kettle at onlineredkettle.org.
~Text the word “KETTLE” to 80888 and you will make a $10 donation to support the #RedKettleReason campaign.
~Post using #RedKettleReason, then read posts by others (as well as your own) at RedKettleReason.org. It is fun to see why the rest of America is giving this holiday season. And while you are there, you can view the interactive mosaic, and also a map showing the conversations that are happening on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and even YouTube.
When my husband and I were at the post office this morning, we saw one of the familiar kettles and I chatted with the bell ringer about the Red Kettle Reason for a bit. He was kind enough to let me take a picture, and I made a donation while I was there. You definitely can’t miss the kettles and I hope after learning about how much the Salvation Army helps, that you will take pause next time you are passing a red kettle, and make a donation (big or small). Every bit does help.
Our family is participating in the #RedKettleReason campaign this year, as we really have everything we need, and would rather help others. Instead of buying unneeded gifts for each other, our family has decided to help others that may not even have one gift. By donating each time (or almost every time), we are helping one or more families, and hopefully giving them a happy holiday season. It really makes me sad that some people are grateful for just clothing and necessities – not even the fun extras. It really is better to give than to receive, and I have taught my children this from a very young age.
Don’t forget that your donation is tax deductible, so now is a great time to help, while also taking advantage of an end-of-year deduction.
You can follow The Salvation Army on Facebook, and @SalvationArmyUS on Twitter to keep up with the latest news, and also share your #RedKettleReason and read what others are saying!
38 Responses
I remember when I was little and you would see a lot more of the bell ringers and many, many of them would be dressed as Santa. My Nana always had some coins for us to drop in the bucket and now it’s one of Lu’s favorite things to do, too.
That is such a sweet memory! I have seen quite a few this year, which always makes me smile.
I do know they help out so much and the kids really love donating when they see them so we make sure to give what we can to help out this great organization
I give every year to the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign. I feel it is such a good charity that helps so many people. In my town there were 3 kettles stolen! That makes me so mad because they are stealing from the needy.
I like knowing that it will stay in the local area for the use of ppl that live near me
I feel that giving to local charities is such a fulfilling feeling. I even bought a blanket and a hat for a young man on these cold blistery Chicago streets. It broke my heart to see him like that. I’m unemployed but he is clearly worse off than I am. Taking care of your fellow man/woman/child is what it’s all about. Happy Holidays and God Bless all. Good luck to the other entrants.
It makes my grandsons feel so good and important when they put coins in the red pail! It’s nice to know it’s going to a great cause.
I donate to the Kettle campaign every year and think that it is a great Charity to help others. The Salvation Army does so many things to help the needy!
I give every year when I see the bell ringers (or trumpet players) with the red kettle. I have so much respect for those people that stand out in the cold to collect. It’s nice to know my donation is going to a worthy cause.
They do so much to help the community.We donate every year!
My kids always get so excited to drop money into the red kettles, we love giving back to help.
I did not know that you can text the word “KETTLE” to 80888 and you will make a $10 donation
I know that as tough of a year that it has been for us, there are people who are even worse off…. that is why we give
I donate every year to the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign. My kids love putting in a few dollars every time they see one. I like that now you can be a virtual bell ringer. I did not know that.
I donate when I can with any I can spare
i drop a few coins in the kettle sometime..they do a wonderful job..thanks
The Salvation Army really helps a lot of people. It is such a great feeling to drop a little cash into the red kettle whenever I see them.
Donating is one of the reasons I look forward to Christmas.. knowing you helped a child have a wonderful Christmas that might not have gotten one without everyone’s donations makes me feel good.
This is such a wonderful mission I always look forward to be a part of anything I can help
I’ve donated and been aware of the great service the Salvation Army provides to communities all across the nation since I was a child. My parents and grandparents always donated and they would let me and my siblings put the money in the red kettle. We loved to do that, and now as an adult it is always a nice memory of those happy childhood days.
We donate to the Salvation Army regularly. They do good work!
Each year no matter my financial situation, I donate something, what I can afford. I believe in them, they help so many
I remember ringing the bell when I was younger to collect donatations. The Salvation Army really helps those in need
My three year old always asks to ring the bell and put some money in when we leave the grocery store. The volunteer knows us now!
I like to donate clothing I no longer need or want. It’s such a great cause and I feel good about doing it.
Red Kettle reminds me of Christmas, time to think about others and give and share.
My son loves putting coins in the kettles when we see them. He now saves up his own coins to give. I didn’t realize how many different ways you can help out.
My family donates every year. I think this is one of the best causes out there.
that is great that your family is giving up gifts to help others! I think that’s so giving of you.
THe Salvation Army Red Kettle collections are remarkable and I think that they brighten everyone days when they see them and I have given loose change and it always makes me feel better, I have seen many people stop and open their pockets and purses to give, and the Salvation Army really helps others.
I really love the Salvation Army. They truly help people in need ND i ALWAYS TRY TO GIVE A LITTLE SOMETHING TO THE BELLRINGER AT cHRISTMAS TIME
We donate to the Red Kettle every year. My loved dropping coins in it when he was younger. It was a great way to teach him the importance of giving back 🙂
I donate every year when I can!
They seem to help a lot of people. Wish it was more of a secular cause though.
my children love putting change in there everytime we walk into the store .it makes them smile and feel good
What the Salvation Army does is so important! I love that you can create an Online Red Kettle to help raise money.
We always donate to help throughout the year but especially at Christmas. It’s nice to know that the tradition is still ongoing and that it helps to make childrens hopes and dreams come true on Christmas morning.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
every year my two daughters put money in there.it puts a smile on my face and their face as well 🙂