CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The Salvation Army of Champaign County is about to kick off their Red Kettle Campaign throughout the community November 15. This year’s campaign theme is Love Beyond Christmas. The campaign’s fundraising goal is $200,000, which will help meet the increasing needs of the approximately 76,000 people that The Salvation Army serves in Champaign County each year.

The annual Red Kettle Christmas Campaign raises funds to provide critical resources, such as groceries, emergency rental and utility assistance, Veterans Services, homeless outreach services, emergency disaster response, and Christmas gifts for children and seniors. According to Captain Kenyon and Captain Melissa Sivels, corps officers of The Salvation Army of Champaign County, “The holiday season brings unique challenges for many in Champaign County, but it also brings out the generosity of those who can help. Every donation, regardless of size, stays local and is a step toward lifting someone out of hardship. Your support helps bring hope and stability to those who need it most — during Christmas and throughout the year.”
The first official ring of the bell will take place at Prairie Gardens in Champaign on November 15 at 11:00 a.m. Volunteer ringers are needed at 21 Red Kettles at local retailers, including Wal-Marts, Schnucks, Hobby Lobby, and Prairie Gardens, through December 23. Anyone wishing to support the campaign can donate in other ways:
  • Donate online at sachampaign.org with a one-time donation or a $25 a month sustaining gift.
  • Donate at Red Kettles with cash, coins, and checks or digitally with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo.
  • Raise support among friends and in your online community by hosting a Virtual Red Kettle. Visit sachampaign.org and select “fundraise”
  • Sign up to volunteer at a Red Kettle by visiting RegisterToRing.com or contacting Aaron Bird at Aaron.Bird@usc.salvationarmy.org.