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They’re so familiar at Christmas, it seems like The Salvation Army Red Kettles were always here. But there was a time when the New York World newspaper called them “the newest and most novel device for collecting money.”
The First Kettle
It all started in San Francisco in 1891. Captain Joseph McFee wanted to make a Christmas dinner for 1,000 hungry people, but had no way to pay for it. So, he took a big brass urn down to the Oakland Ferry Landing and put up a sign that said, “Keep the Pot Boiling.” It was a great spot and apparently a great message. Soon he was cooking up to 1,000 Christmas dinners. Shortly after, McFee added a coat of red paint and a good, loud bell. The idea quickly expanded, and volunteers jumped in to help. In the years that followed, the Red Kettle became synonymous with Christmas goodwill, and even inspired the famous Christmas carol, “Silver Bells.”
Everyday Heros Meeting Needs
Now, millions of generous friends like you help their neighbors by ringing the kettle bell or by filling the Red Kettles with donations each Christmas season. But it doesn’t end there. Each day of the year, we share hope and love with all who feel lost. When you support The Salvation Army, you make a life-changing difference for people in urgent need. You help families struggling to put food on the table, seniors who can’t afford both medication and rent, veterans experiencing homelessness who feel forgotten, and countless others in our community.
Two Hours of Volunteering = Hundreds of Meals
When you volunteer to ring at a Salvation Army red kettle, you are providing critical help for neighbors right in your own community. Just two hours of bell ringing raises enough money to provide 104 meals to hungry families. The money raised also helps to put toys under the tree for children who wouldn’t otherwise have one. It provides coats and winter clothing to keep families safe and warm during the Winter months.
Be a part of this 133-year tradition of showing compassion to others by signing up to ring the red kettle bell. Every dollar raised stays in your local community. Visit RegisterToRing.com today and be a local hero for hope.