The Salvation Army aims to raise $1.5 million in 4 hours

Local communities are invited to support neighbors in need through an annual fundraising challenge

This Friday, The Salvation Army Empire State division will have almost 100 red kettles placed at Walmart locations throughout the region as part of The Salvation Army’s “National Commander’s Red Kettle Challenge” in an effort to raise more than $1.5 million nationally during a four-hour period.

Since 2020, The Salvation Army national commander, Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, has challenged Salvation Army officers, employees, and community supporters to raise more funds than him during any four-hour shift on a particular day during the month of December.

This year’s challenge will take place Friday, Dec. 9, with the goal of “not only raising funds to support local Salvation Army programs and services, but as a fun and engaging opportunity to raise awareness for those in need.”

“We have expanded the time we spend ringing bells and raising funds at our iconic red kettles each year so we can provide Christmas gifts, food, and more to families around the holidays,” said Maj. Kevin Stoops, divisional commander for The Salvation Army Empire State division. “But even so, the need we have seen take shape over the last few years makes events like the ‘National Commander’s Red Kettle Challenge’ even more important.”

Last year, The Salvation Army’s “National Commander’s Red Kettle Challenge” raised more than $1 million nationwide, with all funds raised at local red kettles staying in the communities in which they were raised.

“It’s a prize in itself when people from all walks of life give what they can to help others at the kettle,” Stoops said. “Raising $1.5 million nationally this year will be a sign to everyone that there are a lot of caring people out there.”

As an added incentive for local support, all funds raised during this year’s challenge in The Salvation Army’s Empire State division will be matched to double the impact of every donation received.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.