money In the spirit of giving? What to know about the Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle campaign
Ring, ring, ring! The Salvation Army’s jingling bells and iconic red kettles are back for the 132nd holiday season.
The Red Kettle campaign and fundraiser runs through Christmas Eve annually to help millions of people in need. This year, the Salvation Army expects to surpass $3 billion in donations since its first National Red Kettle Kickoff with the Dallas Cowboys in 1997.
The 2022 campaign launched Thanksgiving Day with the Jonas Brothers’ halftime performance during the Cowboys and New York Giants game.
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettles can be found across the country. Here’s what to know about the annual fundraising campaign:
When did the Red Kettle campaign first begin?
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign dates back to 1891 when Salvation Army Capt. Joseph McFee wanted to address San Francisco’s poverty and hunger issues during the holidays.
GRIEF THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS: Georgia woman’s Christmas ornaments help loved ones' voices live on after death
To fund his goal of feeding 1,000 people and inspired by a similar bucket he once saw as a sailor in Liverpool, England, McFee placed a pot at Oakland Ferry Landing with a sign that read, “keep the pot boiling,” according to the Salvation Army.
“It was designed as a means where people could give small amounts of money to help feed the hungry, and since then, It's become a way people can quickly demonstrate their concern and their love for others in the community,” said Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, the Salvation Army’s national commander in the U.S.
As of 2022, the Salvation Army helps over 4.5 million people around the holidays, according to the organization.
Where can you find a Salvation Army Red Kettle?
Throughout the holidays, thousands of Red Kettles are stationed outside stores such as Walmart, Sam's Club, Hobby Lobby, Dillard’s and Kroger, according to the Salvation Army, which has kettles available in every state and U.S. territory.
GOOD NEWS: Teacher with lengthy bus commute gets new wheels from parent
Can’t find a kettle? The Salvation Army accepts donations online, by providing Christmas gifts to children in need through the Salvation Army Angel Tree or by texting “KETTLES” to 51555.
Who operates the Red Kettles?
Last year, the Salvation Army reported 1.3 million volunteers helped run its Red Kettles, food pantries and Angel Tree program, which provides Christmas gifts for hundreds of thousands of children in the U.S. annually.
How will Red Kettle donations be used?
"All of the donations that come to the Salvation Army stay in the community where they are given," Hodder said.
Throughout the year, the organization assists over 25 million people in the U.S. through social services such as food, shelter, disaster assistance and addiction-recovery programs.
"People will be helping their own neighbors when they give anytime during the Christmas season," Hodder said.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Salvation Army's Red Kettles return for 132nd year. How you can give.
