Rochester Salvation Army Launches 2022 Red Kettle Campaign
Nonprofit Looks To “Love Beyond” Christmas with Support from Businesses and Community
November 10, 2022 Rochester, N.Y. — The Salvation Army of Greater Rochester kicked off its annual Red Kettle Campaign at Marketplace Mall today, announcing this year’s $365,000 goal.
This year’s honorary Red Kettle Co-Chairs were also unveiled; father and daughter news anchor team, John and Natalie Kucko from WROC Channel 8. “The holidays are synonymous with the spirit of giving,” said John Kucko. “Natalie and I are excited to “ring the bell” with the Salvation Army in hopes of bringing out the best in our Western New York community.”
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign is the most visible of its fundraisers and has been present in communities around the globe for more than 150 years. Around Rochester you’ll find close to 50 red kettles at malls, stores and special events that support local service programs. Donations to the Red Kettle Campaign are used to help feed hungry families, shelter the homeless, provide Christmas food baskets and toys, and fund essential programs such as youth enrichment and Emergency and Family Services.
Returning to the campaign this year is The Salvation Army “Battle Of The Bells” contest, in which individuals and groups can ring at a kettle and track their collected amount. Eight different categories have been added to this competition, so that schools, businesses and other community organizations vie for collecting the most donations before December 25th.
“This competition to raise the most money is a win-win for both participants and those we serve.” said Major Deborah Burr, Director of Monroe County Operations for The Salvation Army. “The winning group will be announced once the Red Kettle Campaign closes and their name engraved on a legacy trophy.”
Organizations are encouraged to register for this contest at salarmy.us/rocbattle
To successfully reach their $365,000 goal, the Red Kettle Campaign needs the help of almost 8,000 community members to volunteer to ring bells between November 12 and December 24.
Volunteer bell ringers can join in the holiday tradition and sign up for bell ringing shifts at registertoring.com or by calling (585) 987-9500 x2318.
“Bell ringers are the difference between an empty kettle and one that raises enough to provide a family with essential groceries or an individual shelter for a night,” Major Burr added.
Annually, The Salvation Army of Greater Rochester provides more than 36,000 meals and 30,000 nights of shelter. Their Christmas Distribution Program provides free toys and food during the holidays and served more than 1,500 families last year.
“Money raised from the Red Kettle campaign stays local, supporting our own neighbors who look to the Salvation Army for help.” said Major Burr. “Your donation makes change happen here in the Rochester area.”
The Red Kettle Campaign makes donating easier for those who no longer carry cash by offering Apple Pay and Google Pay options at Red Kettle sites. Smart chips and QR codes can be found on Red Kettle signs across Monroe County, allowing shoppers to simply “bump” or scan their phones to make a digital donation. Funds are distributed to local Salvation Army units based on the donor’s billing ZIP code and a receipt is emailed to the address provided.
Those unable to get to a Red Kettle this season can donate online at rockettle.com or by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY. For more information, call (585) 987-9500 or visit rochesterny.salvationarmy.org
About the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. For more information about our efforts in Greater Rochester, visit RochesterNY.SalvationArmy.org. You may also follow the organization on Facebook.com/TheSalvationArmyRochester and Twitter.com/SalArmyRoc.