Red Kettle season kicks off at Cub in North Minneapolis
The Twin Cities Salvation Army kicked off a new Red Kettle season Nov. 12 at Cub in North Minneapolis. Sign up to ring.
Cub CEO Mike Stigers punctuated the event by ringing the first bell of the Christmas season. “Let’s do this!” he announced with a smile, to a crowd of onlookers and media members. (See event photos.)
Stigers is the 2021 Red Kettle Community Chair, helping to lead the charge as the Twin Cities Salvation Army attempts to raise $12 million during the 2021 Christmas season. He presented The Salvation Army with a check for $20,000 worth of matching donations for all gifts made Nov. 12-14. Donate now.
“We’ve all been through so much these last two years,” Stigers said. “Through this year’s Red Kettle Campaign, hope marches on.”
Thousands of bell ringers are needed now through Christmas Eve to help offset a potential decline in donations due to fewer kettle locations, fewer bell ringers, and decreased foot traffic. These limitations come at a time when demand for assistance remains historically high, due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic.
“The economic effects of the pandemic show no signs of improving,” said Lt. Colonel Dan Jennings (pictured), leader of The Salvation Army Northern Division. “Inflation and food shortages are new challenges being faced by those already struggling. Gas prices are up, and home heating costs are now expected to increase as much as 50 percent this winter.”
You can help by signing up to ring bells this Christmas season. Just two hours at a kettle typically raises about $60 – enough for The Salvation Army to provide a hot meal, shower and night of shelter for a person experiencing homelessness. With hundreds of kettle locations throughout Minnesota and North Dakota, you’re sure to find a convenient spot to ring.
In addition to accepting cash, most kettle locations now feature digital pay options, including Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and QR code scanning.