CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — An icon of the Christmas season, The Salvation Army helps local families navigate food insecurity, unexpected job loss, eviction and other challenges. Every dollar raised during their annual Red Kettle Campaign stays in the community to help people in need.
Wherever there’s a need, you’ll find The Salvation Army. Serving Washington County since 2016, they rely on dedicated volunteers and generous donors to fulfill their mission of “Doing the Most Good.” This holiday season, however, they’re struggling with a shortage of donations as well as volunteer bell ringers to help raise funds through the Red Kettle Campaign.
“We need to at least get close to the amount that we’ve budgeted for the coming year,” said Maj. Karen Schmig of The Salvation Army’s St. George Service Unit. “Right now, we’re extremely behind.”
Funds collected during the Red Kettle Campaign help sustain essential community outreach programs all year long. In 2023, The Salvation Army raised about $53,000 to benefit local families by providing food, bus passes, gas cards, school supplies, diapers, hygiene items and more, along with Christmas presents through the Angel Tree program.
The Red Kettle Campaign runs from the middle of November through the last Saturday before Christmas. This year, Christmas Eve – traditionally one of the largest donation days – falls on a Sunday, and The Salvation Army doesn’t ring on Sundays. With only a handful of ringing days left before Christmas, Schmig implores everyone in the community to lend a hand by donating, volunteering or both.
“It helps keep our lights on and our doors open,” she said. “But more importantly, it provides hope.”
The Salvation Army has placed kettles at 12 businesses across the greater St. George area. Ringing hours are Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Saturday, Dec. 23. Stop by and give what you can.
Red Kettle Campaign locations
- Walmart Supercenter, 2610 Pioneer Road, St. George.
- Harmons Grocery, 1189 E. 700 South, St. George.
- Hurst Ace Hardware, 160 N. Bluff St., St. George.
- Smith’s Food and Drug, 20 N. Bluff St., St. George.
- Smith’s Food and Drug, 565 S. Mall Drive, St. George.
- Harmons Grocery, 3520 Pioneer Parkway, Santa Clara.
- Walmart Supercenter, 625 W. Telegraph St., Washington City.
- Walmart Supercenter, 180 N. 3400 West, Hurricane.
The Salvation Army also accepts direct monetary donations via check or money order. You can mail your contribution to P.O. Box 910129, St. George, UT, 84790 or visit their new outpost at 568 W. Telegraph St. in Washington City.
If you’re interested in volunteering to be a bell ringer, joining the Red Kettle Campaign is easy. Visit registertoring.com and sign up either as an individual or as part of a group, then enter your zip code to view available volunteer shifts in your area. Each shift lasts two hours, and volunteers can sign up for as many different shifts as they wish.
Although the primary goal of the Red Kettle Campaign is raising money, bell ringers also help increase awareness of The Salvation Army and their efforts to support Southern Utah’s less fortunate residents. When you volunteer to stand at a kettle, you’re not just spreading holiday cheer – you’re changing lives.
“Right now, we see the state of the world and feel kind of hopeless about being able to fix any of it,” said Maj. Bob Schmig of The Salvation Army’s St. George Service Unit. “But we can make a difference in this community, right here in our little corner of the world.”
Join the army of hope this holiday season by supporting the Red Kettle Campaign. Visit The Salvation Army’s website or 435-275-4975 to learn more about how to get involved.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
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Resources
- The Salvation Army St. George Outpost | Address: 568 W. Telegraph St., Washington City | Telephone: 435-275-4975 | Email: [email protected] | Website.
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