Double the Impact
Double the Impact: Salvation Army Red Kettle Donations to be Matched Up to $12,000
Anonymous donor challenging shoppers to match their generosity December 12-14
The Salvation Army of Bloomington is getting ready for three days of fundraising that could make a big impact to their programs and services in 2025. On December 12, 13, and 14, all donations made to Red Kettles across Monroe County will be doubled up to $12,000 thanks to a gift from an anonymous local supporter.
"This match is a true blessing. We're hoping it touches the hearts of shoppers and encourages them to dig a little deeper in their pockets when they walk by a Red Kettle this weekend," said Captain Vinal Lee, pastor and corps administrator for The Salvation Army. "The money raised in Red Kettles makes it possible to serve our community in a wide variety of ways. We offer year-round services like our food pantry, clothing vouchers, and emergency assistance for rent and utilities. But these donations also make our seasonal programs possible, like the Back to School program and Keep Warm Coat Drive. Thanks to support from this community, we're able provide Christmas gifts to almost 1,000 local children this year. We use those blessings that are dropped in our kettles to create even greater blessings for our neighbors in need."
Last year The Salvation Army of Bloomington provided over 60,000 meals to those facing hunger in Monroe County and distributed almost 12,000 school supplies to children to better prepare them for the school year. Over the 6-week Red Kettle Campaign, The Salvation Army needs to raise $220,000 to continue to provide impactful programs like these to local households.
Volunteer bell ringers are needed to sign up for 2-hour shifts to ensure that every Red Kettle can be out each day of the match. Individuals, groups, and families are encouraged to visit RegisterToRing.com to sign up for the date, time, and location of their choosing. Red Kettles will be placed at a number of locations this year, including Walmart, Kroger, Hobby Lobby, Sam's Club, and the Ellettsville IGA. Shoppers should also keep an eye out for smaller counter kettles near registers at retailers around the county.
Back again this year is the popular Virtual Red Kettle, an online fundraising campaign that encourages the community to participate virtually. Anyone can sign up as a Virtual Bell Ringer or create a Team with its very own fundraising goal. This engaging peer-to-peer campaign makes fundraising for The Salvation Army easy to do from the comfort of home and helps to connect with those who may never walk by a traditional Red Kettle this holiday season. Supporters can join the campaign, give to a friend's virtual kettle, or just follow along at salarmy.us/bloomingtonvrk2024.