Smiles Make The Greatest Gifts.

Our iconic red kettles signal the start of the holiday season!

The funds you raise as a Salvation Army bell ringer will make a year-round impact in our community through social services assistance, children’s programs, rehabilitation services, disaster relief, and more. 

When you volunteer to ring bells, you help improve and even save lives. By volunteering even just two hours of your time, you can raise enough money to feed a family of four for an entire week.

Simply sign up for a date, time, and location that’s convenient for you. A kettle and bell will be at your location when you arrive. If there is already a ringer there, just let them know you are the next scheduled volunteer and take over for them. Then, start ringing with a smile. Wish shoppers a “Merry Christmas” and thank people for their donations.

Thankfully you can donate any time you see the tap-to-pay logos! Plus, from September to January, help brighten the holidays by fundraising or donating through our Virtual Red Kettle.

Virtual Red Kettle

When you're struggling financially to care for your family, holiday gifts are often not feasible. Angel Tree ensures that all children (up to age 18) have a gift to open for Christmas. The program allows donors to purchase gifts for families in need, making their holidays brighter. The gifts go directly to the parents, who are able to wrap and give the gifts themselves, preserving the dignity and joy of the entire family.

Adopt an Angel

Groups, businesses, and families can register to become an angel. 

You can shop online from the comfort and safety of your home or opt to shop in-person.

1. You can choose our "Virtual" Angel Tree option. The website lists the age, gender and wish list of the child. We suggest spending no more than $50 per tag. 
2. From October—December, you may shop our online Walmart Registry for Good Angel Tree.
3. You may also shop by requesting printed Angel Tags which also list the age, gender, and wish list of a child or teen. Please contact Shan Johnson for more information.  

If you have any questions, please email Shan Johnson or call 815-972-1135.

For more than 25 years, The Salvation Army in Rockford has hosted the Koats for Kids Drives to collect and distribute new and gently used winter coats to needy children living in Winnebago County. If your group is interested in hosting a coat or winter warmth drive, please contact Nancy Jenkins.  

The Salvation Army provides Christmas baskets for families unable to create a special meal themselves. Each basket feeds a family of six and includes meat, potatoes, vegetables, biscuits, cake mix, and more. Contact our Social Services team at 815-972-1135 for more information.

Each year our food pantry relies on donations of food items: canned vegetables and fruit, pasta, pasta sauce, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, rice, and dry beans (please no glass jars). If you would like to host a donation barrel at your company, office or agency, we would love to partner with you. Please email Shan Johnson or call 815-972-1135.