Give a Gift that Lasts: The Salvation Army’s Annual Red Kettle Campaign to Raise Vital Funds to Support North Texas
Register to bell ring or make a donation this Christmas to make a lasting impact on our neighbors in need alongside the region’s largest social services provider
NORTH TEXAS (November 29, 2024) — It wouldn’t be Christmas without The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettles. While bell ringing goes hand in hand with the spirit of the holidays, the Red Kettle campaign is foundational to sustaining the services that The Salvation Army provides to more than 100,000 individuals in North Texas each year.
During the season of giving, the region’s largest social services provider is calling on the community to get involved — in a variety of ways — to support the area in which they live and work throughout North Texas. The Salvation Army of North Texas’ Red Kettle Campaign, sponsored by Energy Transfer, is vital to ensuring The Salvation Army can effectively meet the physical, social, and spiritual needs that arise in every pocket of the region.
Kicked off with a performance by Lainey Wilson at the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day game at AT&T Stadium, The Salvation Army’s 134th annual Red Kettle campaign is now in full effect at select partner locations.
While best known as a renowned symbol of The Salvation Army during Christmas, the Red Kettle campaign is the largest and longest-running fundraiser of its kind, raising essential donations that go directly toward supporting our neighbors who are combatting poverty, addiction, and homelessness well beyond the holiday season. With five less days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, The Salvation Army needs the community’s help. In 2023, The Salvation Army of North Texas raised around $1.5 million through its Red Kettles, which launch on Thanksgiving, so five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas could mean a decrease of 15% in funding to overcome.
To make up for the deficit, during the last week Red Kettles are open, an anonymous North Texas donor has set up a $100K matching challenge. Any dollar donated online or in-person will double from December 17 – 24, up to $100K. Donations make a lasting impact:
- $25 can provide a backpack with school supplies for a child in one of our many youth programs
- $50 can help provide support for one adult at our Adult Rehabilitation Center
- $100 can provide a hot meal for five seniors in need at one of our 21 service centers in North Texas
Nearly half of The Salvation Army’s annual raised revenue comes between October and December, and the Red Kettle Campaign is an important component of that.
“The Christmas season is an opportunity to come together as a community,” said Major Paul McFarland, area commander of The Salvation Army of North Texas. “Donations made at Red Kettles allow us to reach more of our neighbors facing poverty, addiction and homelessness throughout the entire year. We are grateful for the support of Energy Transfer, our generous donors, and our partners that make it possible to continue Doing the Most Good in North Texas.”
This holiday season, an estimated 629,000 North Texans are experiencing food insecurity, 159,000 are at risk of eviction or foreclosure, and nearly 2.5 million adults are having difficulties paying for usual household expenses, according to the most recent Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey. There are numerous ways to get involved with The Salvation Army to ensure our most vulnerable neighbors experience the joy of the most wonderful time of the year.