Did you know that the Red Kettle Campaign is a tradition which began in 1891?

From its original beginnings as a fundraiser started by a Salvation Army captain in San Francisco in 1891, the Red Kettle Campaign has grown into one of the most recognizable and important charitable campaigns in the United States. As part of the campaign, more than 25,000 Salvation Army volunteers spread throughout the country to ring bells daily and solicit spare change donations to the iconic red kettles from holiday shoppers.

In 2008, the campaign raised more than $130 million nationwide, a new record supported by the public’s  nickels, dimes, quarters and dollars (and the occasional diamond ring or gold tooth) all collected and used to help people in the communities where they were raised.

Last year, the funds helped The Salvation Army provide food, clothing, toys and other assistance to nearly 30 million Americans in need. In addition to physical kettles, donors can also contribute online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or through a virtual red kettle on any number of corporate or individual websites and Facebook pages.

The state of the economy has forced an increasing amount of people across the country to seek help from The Salvation Army.  The continued public support of the Red Kettle campaign is a major reason why the Army able to provide families with food, utility assistance, adult rehabilitation from alcohol and drug addiction, disaster relief and other services to more than 5,000 communities nationwide.

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