As the holiday season approaches, The Salvation Army’s iconic red kettles and bellringers make their annual appearance, supporting those in need across Ohio. In recent years, however, volunteers have encountered new challenges that have prompted the humanitarian organization to evolve.
More people are shopping online and fewer are using cash, with a 2024 study by PYMNTS finding that only 13% of grocery shoppers pay in cash. Despite this shift, donations remain strong, says Andy Junn, director of development and community relations for The Salvation Army’s USA Eastern Territory.
Junn and Mandy Hoover, development and public relations manager for The Salvation Army’s Northeast Ohio Division, explain that the organization adapts to technological and societal changes.
“While we are quickly becoming a cashless society, we still see most folks carrying some cash to be able to donate to our kettles,” Junn says. “To make it easier for those without cash, we have had cashless donation options for the past five years at every kettle stand. Folks can donate through a number of tap-and-go digital options, including Apple Pay, Android Pay, Venmo, and QR codes that link to an online virtual kettle.”
This season, the organization will test “Tip and Go” technology at select locations in Northeast and Northwest Ohio, mirroring the quick experience shoppers have in retail settings.
One of The Salvation Army’s biggest challenges is recruiting enough bellringers to meet growing demand, Junn and Hoover note. With over 75,000 hours of bellringer shifts in Northeast and Northwest Ohio, finding volunteers is essential. To make signing up easier, the organization has centralized the volunteer process at RegistertoRing.com, where individuals and groups can quickly find nearby locations to volunteer.
While enthusiasm for volunteering fluctuates, participation remains high. Every year, hundreds of bellringers gather at dozens of stores, including Walmart, Giant Eagle, and Hobby Lobby. For locations where traditional stands aren’t feasible, countertop kettles offer a convenient alternative, ensuring that The Salvation Army’s reach extends even to smaller venues. This accessibility is vital to the organization’s mission, as “every penny raised at our kettles stays in that community to assist neighbors in need,” Junn says, supporting food boxes, rent assistance, and programs for veterans and seniors.
Safety is also a key focus, especially as bellringers stand at high-traffic locations in all kinds of weather.
“The safety of our bellringers and the shoppers who stop by the kettle is extremely important,” Junn emphasizes, noting that volunteers are positioned in well-lit, safe areas, and kettles are moved indoors or withheld in severe weather.
Christmas remains The Salvation Army’s primary fundraising season, generating up to $4 million annually.
“The holiday period from Thanksgiving to year-end is without a doubt our largest fundraising time,” Junn notes. Yet, as food insecurity and requests for aid continue to rise, the organization relies on digital campaigns, direct mail, and special events throughout the year to meet ongoing demand.
For many, donating to The Salvation Army is not just a chance to give back but also an opportunity to share personal stories. Junn recalls one memorable encounter with an older woman who carefully searched her purse for coins to donate.
“She proceeded to tell her story with tears in her eyes of how The Salvation Army saved her son from addiction,” Junn recalls. “That moment was priceless.”
For those unable to donate money, there are other ways to help. “
Volunteering to ring our kettle bell, even for just two hours, has a great impact,” Hoover says. “For every two hours someone rings the bell, we can provide 104 meals. Donating gently used clothing and household items is also a great way to support our efforts.”
Beyond the holiday season, The Salvation Army serves every zip code in the country, responding to community-specific needs.
“We are there in times of disaster, offering recreation programs, life development skills, addiction recovery support, and working with survivors of human trafficking,” Junn says.
As needs grow, The Salvation Army’s efforts to support communities in Northeast and Northwest Ohio intensify, ensuring each donation reaches those who need it most. Junn encourages everyone to learn more by visiting SalvationArmyOhio.org, adding that a simple contribution can transform lives during the holiday season and beyond.
“The kettles are so much more than just an iconic sound of the season, it’s an opportunity to remind and connect with people letting them know we are here to meet any need we can,” Hoover says.”
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