CLEVELAND — Editor's note: Video at the top of this story was originally published in a previous Salvation Army story on Dec. 8, 2021.
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign is in need of volunteers with its final week approaching.
Volunteers are needed to ring bells at local retailers such as Walmart, Giant Eagle and Discount Drug Mart as time winds down. Just two hours of bell ringing can provide up to 104 meals in the local community, according to The Salvation Army.
“The Salvation Army is asking our community for their continued support. Help us ring the bell to keep food pantries open and hot meals served to our local neighbors in need,” said Major Cindy-Lou Drummond, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army of Northeast Ohio. “The red kettles fund these essential programs that support hundreds of thousands of Northeast and Northwest Ohioans each year.”
The red kettles have been in use by The Salvation Army since 1891 and is one of the most recognizable ways that funds are raised throughout the holiday season.
While cash is becoming a less frequently carried item, The Salvation Army does accept donations in other ways, offering Apple Pay and Google Pay all across the country. Beginning this year, those wishing to donate will also be able to give by using PayPal or Venmo simply by scanning a QR code at the kettle.
“Expanding the contactless giving options at the kettles is a blessing. With less cash being carried, adding Venmo and PayPal will help us engage more individuals this holiday season,” said Drummond.
Those who are interested in volunteering should visit SAVolunteer.org, or call 216-81-8185.