Christmas Blessing: Red Kettles Matched for Last Week of Bell Ringing
With Christmas just around the corner, The Salvation Army of Central Indiana is heading into the final week of its annual Red Kettle Campaign with some great news. Thanks to generous matching dollars from an anonymous local donor, all Red Kettle and Virtual Red Kettle donations December 18-23 will be doubled as a way to encourage last-minute holiday shoppers to be more charitable this Christmas.
Donations made to Red Kettles at area storefronts will be matched up to $45,000, while an additional $5,000 match will apply to any gifts given to The Salvation Army's online Virtual Red Kettle campaign.
Electronic donations made using the Tap to Give devices secured to Red Kettle stands will also qualify for doubling, which means that shoppers can use cash, credit cards, or their mobile wallets to make their gift to The Salvation Army.
Online shoppers can still be a part of the match by simply visiting Central Indiana's Virtual Red Kettle at salarmy.us/virtualkettle. Supporters are encouraged to also share the link to this innovative peer-to-peer campaign with family, friends, and coworkers to take advantage of this special match raise the full $5,000.
"Donations like this are real beacons of hope that serve to ignite a generous spirit in the community! Our iconic red kettles all over the city will ring in a double portion thanks to this anonymous donor providing an extraordinary match," said Major Rachel Stouder, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Central Indiana. "While not everyone can give at this level, generosity of any kind goes way farther than one might think. We are bracing ourselves for what we hope will be a week of giving that will resonate with the joy of the season, as every contribution becomes a catalyst for double the impact. Throughout this entire giving season, we have been counting on generous Hoosiers like this to keep the inspiration flowing so that we can work together, keeping a light shining on community and compassion."
The annual Red Kettle Campaign has a goal of raising $3.6 million through the iconic Red Kettles located throughout Central Indiana. Shoppers looking for a Red Kettle during the $45,000 match period will also be able to find bell ringers at Walmart, Sam's Club, Kroger, JCPenney, Cabela's, Walgreens, Emagine Theaters, Needler's Fresh Market, Hobby Lobby, and Simon Malls.
Volunteer bell ringers are still needed to take 2-hour shifts and keep the kettles out through December 23. Individuals, families, and groups are all welcome to sign up online at RegisterToRing.com, where they can find a location, date, and time that works for their schedule.
VIRTUAL RED KETTLE: $5,000 MATCH
The Salvation Army recognizes that online holiday shopping is preferred by many, but that doesn't mean that local residents can't participate in the annual tradition of Red Kettles and bell ringing. The 2023 Virtual Red Kettle Campaign has a goal of raising $25,000 online through a peer-to-peer fundraising platform, which allows supporters to create their own Virtual Red Kettle with a personal fundraising goal. The public to take an active role in supporting the organization from the comfort of their own home or business.
The anonymous donor who is matching donations at physical Red Kettles has also offered a $5,000 match for the online Virtual Red Kettle during the same dates. Anyone who donates to the Central Indiana Virtual Red Kettle Campaign between December 18 and December 23 will have their donations automatically doubled until the $5,000 limit is reached. This is an exciting opportunity and gives those who cannot get out to visit a Red Kettle a chance to still double their donation during this special week.
Become a virtual bell ringer, donate, or follow the campaign at salarmy.us/virtualkettle.
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 Central Indiana.