The Salvation Army Kettle Campaign kicked off Saturday, aiming to raise essential funds for community programs during the holiday season. With hardship on the rise this holiday season, the Salvation Army of Kewanee is urging the community to help meet an ambitious fundraising goal of $36,000. The organization says donations are crucial to keeping essential services—like food assistance and shelter programs—available through the winter months. Organizers emphasize that every contribution, big or small, can make a real difference for local families in need. As more residents seek help this year, the Salvation Army hopes the community will unite to ensure no one is left without support during these challenging times. Contributions can be made online or in person.
Shoppers will spot the iconic red kettles at Walmart, Farm King, Walgreens, and Save A Lot, where volunteers collect donations. This year brings added excitement, with local groups facing off in friendly kettle challenges and special themed events. Football rivalry takes center stage this Saturday, November 22, at the Bears vs. Packers Challenge—a community event inviting fans of all teams to sport their favorite gear and show some team pride. Organizers are calling for volunteers to help keep the festivities running smoothly. Interested individuals can sign up by calling 309-853-4192, emailing [email protected], or visiting RegisterToRing.com. The event promises lively spirit, friendly competition, and plenty of opportunities to connect with neighbors. Mark your calendars and consider lending a hand to support your local community during this exciting day of football fun.
The Salvation Army of Kewanee made a significant impact last year, offering 182 nights of emergency shelter and distributing financial assistance, including over $12,000 to cover utilities and nearly $16,000 dedicated to housing support. Through initiatives like Angel Tree and the Adopt-a-Family Holiday Program, families received essential clothing, food, and gifts at no cost. These programs are sustained by the ongoing generosity of the community, ensuring that families facing hardship have access to vital resources and support. The agency continues to stress that local contributions are crucial to meeting the growing need for help in Kewanee.
Every contribution helps provide much-needed assistance to families in need. The annual Salvation Army Angel Tree program started strong when a shopper at Wal-Mart in Kewanee purchased gifts for the 79 angel tags on the tree. Organizers reloaded the tree with angels, and there are plenty of angel tags that need fulfillment. Visit the Kewanee Salvation Army location here for more information.
“The holidays can be incredibly tough for those already struggling to make ends meet,” said Eddie Toliver, Director. “But we’ve also seen how compassionate our community can be. Every donation, large or small, helps one of our neighbors move one step closer to stability and peace. Together, we’re making a difference.”
The Kewanee Salvation Army is teaming up with Patchy’s Red, White, and Blue Christmas Toy Drive to ensure local children receive holiday gifts, especially those facing financial challenges. The Angel Tree initiative aims to ensure children in the Kewanee area have presents to open on Christmas.
Ways to Give and Get Involved This Holiday Season:
- Donate cash, coins, or checks at any Red Kettle.
- Give a one-time or monthly sustaining gift at Give.SalvationArmyUSA.org.
- Make a digital donation at the Red Kettle via Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo.
- New this year: To make giving even easier, we’ve added a TipTap device at one of our kettle stands. This allows donors to give quickly and securely with a simple tap of their debit or credit card—no cash needed!
- Contribute cryptocurrency donations, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported tokens, through the secure Engiven platform at SalvationArmyUSA.org.
- Volunteer to ring the bell at a Red Kettle by registering at RegisterToRing.com.
- Support the Angel Tree Program by providing gifts for children. Angel Tree gifts can be dropped off at The Salvation Army, 119 N. Tremont, Monday–Saturday during store hours.
The Salvation Army reaches over 28 million Americans each year, offering vital support to individuals facing poverty, addiction, and economic challenges. Operating in nearly every ZIP code across the country, the organization runs more than 7,400 centers committed to serving communities without discrimination. Their comprehensive services include food and shelter assistance, eviction prevention, disaster relief, rehabilitation programs, youth initiatives, and opportunities for spiritual growth. Focused on addressing both immediate and long-term needs, the Salvation Army plays a crucial role in uplifting individuals and families nationwide. Learn more about their ongoing mission at SalvationArmyUSA.org.
