Joe Mauer rings bells at Cub grocery store in St. Paul
Retired slugger Joe Mauer stopped by the Cub Midway grocery store in St. Paul on Nov. 15 to stand at a red kettle and ring bells for The Salvation Army (see photos).
Mauer serves as Chair of the Twin Cities Salvation Army’s 2019 Christmas Campaign, which aims to raise $12 million.
“When I was asked to serve as Chair, it was a very quick yes,” said Mauer, who grew up playing basketball at the West 7th Salvation Army in St. Paul. “I’ve seen the effects (The Salvation Army) can have on the community. The Salvation Army makes such a big impact.” 
Other notable Twin Cities figures joined the fun, including Cub CEO Mike Stigers, and last year’s Christmas Chair, Amanda Brinkman, co-star of the hit Hulu series Small Business Revolution and Chief Brand and Communications Officer at Deluxe Corp.
“This is why we call it an Army – an Army of community leaders coming together to help those who are less fortunate,” said Lt. Col. Lonneal Richardson, leader of The Salvation Army Northern Division.
Cub has allowed Salvation Army red kettles at its stores for decades. Every Christmas season, volunteers at these kettles raise close to $1 million in the Twin Cities.
Partnering with The Salvation Army is “absolutely what we should do,” Stigers said. “It’s about us being part of the community and taking care of the folks we serve every day.”
The Twin Cities Salvation Army’s 2019 red kettle season officially kicks off Friday, Nov. 22 at the Mall of America with a performance by William Close and the Earth Harp.
Video
Watch 2019 Christmas Chair Joe Mauer be trained to ring by last year's Christmas Chair, Amanda Brinkman.
Thousands of hardworking families are battling poverty in Minnesota and North Dakota. You can help them win by donating $25 a month or becoming a bell ringer. Join The Salvation Army this Christmas season and #FightForGood.