Bender Lumber Matching Red Kettle Donations
Since 2020, Bender Lumber Co. has stepped up to offer a series of matching gifts that could double every dollar dropped into Salvation Army Red Kettles in Indiana communities where they customers live and work. The company's second match of the season is this week, taking place on December 5, 6, and 7 in Monroe, Jefferson, and Bartholomew counties.
On these three days, Bender Lumber will match dollar for dollar cash donations in all Salvation Army Red Kettles, with specific matching goals in each county. With the cost of living continuing to rise for Hoosier households, Bender Lumber is responding to the increased need by growing the total dollars that could be matched on this busy holiday shopping weekend. Between the three matches, local Salvation Army programs could see up to $16,700 in additional funds for use in 2025.
Founded in Bloomington in 1931, Bender Lumber has stores across central and southern Indiana. Red Kettles in its hometown of Bloomington and across Monroe County will be matched up to $8,000 during the three-day challenge. These additional funds will help bolster community programs and offer aid to local residents throughout the coming year.
"Whether it’s providing food and essentials for local families going through tough times or making sure a child has something to open on Christmas morning, The Salvation Army is there," said Ben Watters, President of Bender Lumber. "Bender Lumber values serving and helping others, which also is the heart of The Salvation Army. Giving to the Red Kettle on a match day doubles your gifts to bless even more people."
The Salvation Army of Madison is encouraging the public to meet the challenge put forth by the Bender Lumber team. "We are so thankful to partner with Bender Lumber again this year," shared Captain Janelle Cleaveland. "All donations on these days will be doubled up to $3,700 thanks to the generosity of Bender Lumber. That means that if you put a $5 in the kettle, it's really $10. This will go a long way in helping us to reach our over all kettle goal. The Bender Lumber kettle match has the ability to help us reach 11% of our $42,000 kettle campaign goal in only three days. We are thankful for their support in helping us to help those in need in our community."
Captain Amy Tompkins is hopeful that the community will meet the $5,000 match offered to The Salvation Army of Columbus. "Each year as we look into the faces of the individuals and families we serve; we consider the very generous donations that come from the people of our community," she said. "Bender Lumber helps us serve those who have so little and need so much. Thank you so much!"
Shoppers looking for a Red Kettle during the match period will be able to find bell ringers at dozens of locations, including Walmart and Kroger stores. Anyone interested in volunteering to ring a bell this holiday season is invited to visit RegisterToRing.com and find a location, date, and time that works for their schedule.
Every donation given to The Salvation Army through the annual Red Kettle Campaign provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay right here in Indiana. Visit SalvationArmyIndiana.org to learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army ensure that we can Love Beyond Christmas and continue to help those in need in 2025.