Fewer bell ringers leave Salvation Army donations down 17%
“While The Salvation Army is part of a national organization, every local program it operates — including emergency assistance, shelters for individuals and families, opioid-abatement initiatives and disaster relief — is funded entirely by local dollars,” a press release stated. “Much of that funding comes directly from the annual Red Kettle Campaign.”
“The Red Kettle Campaign isn’t just a holiday tradition — it’s what makes our year-round work possible,” said Maj. Cameron Henderson of the Knoxville Area Command of The Salvation Army. “When there’s no volunteer at a kettle, there’s no opportunity for the community to give, and that directly impacts the services we can provide to our neighbors when they need help most.”
According to the release, the number of volunteer bell ringers has declined this year.
“Fewer volunteers mean fewer active kettles,” the release stated. “As a result, total Red Kettle donations to date are approximately 17 percent below where they were at this time last year. That decrease directly correlates with the decline in volunteers.
“People are still donating,” the release added. “There are simply fewer active kettles than usual.”
The shortfall directly affects The Salvation Army’s ability to respond to community needs throughout the year, particularly at a time when demand for assistance continues to rise.
“The Salvation Army can only meet that need with the support of the community,” the release stated.
The organization emphasized even a single bell-ringing shift can make a meaningful difference.
“An individual who volunteers for just an hour helps keep a kettle active while groups that can cover an entire day dramatically increase the funds raised, especially on match days when donations are doubled through generous community partners,” the release stated.
Volunteers are needed not only in Knox County but across East Tennessee.
“A few hours of your time can translate into critical dollars that directly support programs right here in East Tennessee,” the release stated.
The Salvation Army invites individuals, families, businesses, churches and civic groups to volunteer as bell ringers this Christmas season across Knox, Anderson, Blount, Sevier and Cocke counties.
To sign up, visit RegisterToRing.com.
For assistance, call 865-525-9401.
