For many of us, when we think about the Salvation Army, we think about the Christmas season and the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign. In 2019, a friend of mine, Chet Schultz stood outside of Walmart at the Town Square Mall for 24 hours to help raise money for the Salvation Army.

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This is their largest fundraiser and helps so many programs in our area including food pantries, disaster relief and so much more. Like everyone else in 2021, the Salvation Army is in need of people to help with their annual Red Kettle Campaign.

They aren't looking for you to do what Chet did but they would love it if you could spare a few hours for this noble cause. Since 1890, The Salvation Army Red Kettles have represented the Christmas season and compassion for those in need in our area and around the world.

Volunteerism as a whole has been going down while the human need for the Salvation Army continues to rise. Finding volunteers to help ring the bells have been difficult even before the pandemic began.

How To Become A Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringer

Fewer volunteers mean fewer kettles this Christmas season and we need to change that. If you're looking to find your joy as a Red Kettle Ringer, you can become "part of the army behind the Army."  Go here to volunteer or stop by The Salvation Army's office at 131 Washington Street in Binghamton or call Captain Joseph Hansen at (607)722-2987.

The Red Kettle Campaign begins on November 5th and will run through December 24th. Remember that all donations to the Red Kettles in the Binghamton area stay in the Binghamton community.

Salvation Army Virtual Kettle

The Salvation Army knows that with less kettles, that will mean less chances to contribute. They also know that people carry less cash than in the past and more people are shopping online, so they have a "Rescue Christmas" virtual kettle. This is a way to help families in need and help hope march on.

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