The annual Red Kettle Campaign kicks off in Central Virginia on Saturday, November 2, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Bass Pro Shops in Ashland, VA (11550 Lakeridge Parkway). The Red Kettle Campaign makes it possible to deliver life changing programs and services throughout the year, because every dollar raised through the Red Kettle Campaign stays local and remains in the Greater Richmond community.
From its humble beginnings in 1891 when a Salvation Army Captain used a crab pot to collect funds in San Francisco, the Red Kettle Campaign has grown into one of the most iconic charitable initiatives worldwide. For the second year, Salvation Army Red Kettles are enabled with smart chips for tap to pay and QR codes so donors can easily give and be Doing The Most Good via their smartphone or smartwatch.
The funds raised in the Red Kettle will serve as a lifeline in our community, offering essential assistance including nourishment, shelter and vital social services to people during their greatest need, financial empowerment classes, ministry and afterschool enrichment camps and programs for our youth.
In today’s challenging economic climate, families struggle, often living paycheck to paycheck. Many of our neighbors are forced to make difficult choices this holiday season, between buying Christmas gifts for their children, putting food on the table or keeping the lights on. The Salvation Army stands as a beacon of hope in the community, bridging the gap for people experiencing unexpected financial hardship. “Thanks to the support of donors, the money raised will help The Salvation Army provide food, assistance with shelter, and social services to people who come to us in crisis, often at the very worst times
of their life,” said Area Commander Major Samuel Kim.
There are many ways to support The Salvation Army Central Virginia this holiday season. Visit www.salvationarmycentralva.org and click on the Christmas tab to learn how you can help.
● Adopt an Angel (ages 0-13) or Silver Bell (ages 62+): Provide new toys, clothing or small household items for local children or seniors in need through the Angel Tree program. Starting November 1, you can adopt in-person or online. Learn where and how by visiting www.salvationarmycentralva.org.
● Be a Bell Ringer: Sign up as a group or individual and find the perfect time and location that works for you to do the Most Good in your community. Sign up at www.registertoring.com.
● Give Online: Sign up for a sustaining gift of $25 a month at www.salvationarmycentralva.org
● Volunteer: Help get our Christmas Center ready and sign up to organize the 4,200+ gift bags that will be delivered and prepped for Distribution Days, starting December 17, 2024.
● Walmart Gift Registry: Support the Angel Tree Program while you’re on the go or from the comforts of your home. Stock our Christmas Warehouse and ensure no Angel is forgotten and every child in the Christmas Assistance program can wake up to a Christmas morning.
For more information visit us at www.salvationarmycentralva.org, or follow us @SalArmyRVA on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 25 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services and youth programs and is #DoingTheMostGood at 7,600 centers around the country.
Since 1885, The Salvation Army has been serving the Richmond area, and today, The Salvation Army Central Virginia Area Command meets needs across 16 localities through the Men and Families Housing First Shelter, Inclement Weather Shelter, food assistance, canteen ministry, rent and utility assistance, The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club and the Corps/Church. For more information, visit salvationarmycentralva.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn @SalArmyRVA and #DoingTheMostGood.