The Salvation Army Announces John O'Leary as 2024 Red Kettle Campaign Chair
The Salvation Army in the Greater St. Louis area has announced its annual Red Kettle Campaign chair as John O'Leary. The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign, also known as the Tree of Lights Campaign to many St. Louisans, has stood as a beacon of hope and compassion for more than a century. Each year, a chair is selected to support community outreach and fundraising efforts during the Christmas season.
O'Leary is a native St. Louisan and two-time #1 National Bestselling author. His first book ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life sold over 250,000 copies and has been translated into 12 languages. It tells the story of his epic survival after being burned on 100% of his body as a nine-year-old boy and being given a less than 1% chance to live. O'Leary isa prominent speaker, coach and podcaster having worked with world-class guests like Brené Brown, Mitcch Albom, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Shawn Achor. A feature film about his life is also in the works.
"We have been fortunate to work with a number of incredible, philanthropic individuals in the community over the past 77 years and this year is no different," said Major Adam Moore, St. Louis Area Commander. "John's personal story of perseverance and hope in a time of desperation is inspiring. That message is one we all need to hear and take to heart, especially during the Christmas season.”
In addition to serving as chair, O'Leary will be the keynote speaker at The Salvation Army's VIP Christmas kickoff event on Nov. 23 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark.
"My wife and I admire the impressive work The Salvation Army does throughout our community as it assists with housing, combats poverty, serves veterans, fights addiction, and empowers children," said O'Leary. "We’re excited that through the organization’s bellringing and other opportunities to give, each of us are invited to partner in the mighty work occurring throughout our community. The profound needs within our region are alleviated by the radical generosity of our community."
Rene Knott, co-anchor on local KSDK’s Today in St. Louis, will emcee. Knott started at 5 On Your Side in 2004 as sports director and moved to the morning show in 2016. Throughout his career Rene has earned three Emmy Awards and covered many memorable stories.
The Red Kettle Campaign encompasses a variety of programs and fundraising efforts during the Christmas season, including:
Rene Knott, Event Emcee
- Bellringing: More than 12,000 volunteer bellringers are needed in the St. Louis area alone. Participating stores in the St. Louis metro area include Schnucks, Dierbergs, Walmart, Sam's Club, Hobby Lobby, Bass Pro, Cabela’s, Dillard’s, JCPenney and many more. For a full list of available dates, times and locations, visit RegistertoRing.com.
Kettle Donations: The iconic red kettles will be accepting donations at participating locations mid-November through Christmas Eve.
Online Giving: Individuals can donate to The Salvation Army's virtual red kettle, benefitting the greater St. Louis community.
Tree of Lights: Join us on Nov. 23 from 5-6 p.m. in Kiener Plaza as The Salvation Army officially kicks off the Christmas season and lights the Tree of Lights. Enjoy live music, hot cocoa and more. This is a free, family friendly event.
Round Up at the Register: Nov. 13 to 27, Schnucks stores in the region will offer the opportunity to Round Up at the Register, contributing to the Red Kettle Campaign.
Angel Tree Toy Town: Each year, The Salvation Army serves more than 5,500 children in the St. Louis area by providing Christmas gifts and food vouchers. Toy collection begins in July each year and toys are distributed to qualifying families in need mid-December. The Salvation Army works closely with local businesses to host toy drives and engage volunteers to help distribute those toys.
Edward Jones is serving as this year's Red Kettle Campaign presenting sponsor. They are joined by Ameren, the Lenoir Charitable Trust, St. Louis Business Journal, Cass Information Systems, Guarantee Electrical, St. Louis Magazine, Reitz & Jens and Dierbergs, who are serving as sponsors at varying levels. Red Kettle Kickoff event sponsors include Summit Marketing, Merri and Mark Abels, and Mary Pitcher, who is sponsoring in memory of William G. Pitcher, Sr. and Billy G. Pitcher, Jr.
In addition, The Salvation Army is pleased to have TWO MEN AND A TRUCK assisting with Angel Tree Toy Town collections this Christmas season.
Businesses and organizations interested in getting involved as bellringers, sponsors or Angel Tree toy drive hosts, can visit our Corporate Giving web page for additional information.
