Red Kettle Campaign to help meet needs in community

One of the traditional signs of the holiday season is the red kettles that pop up at many venues throughout town, as the Salvation Army Bell Ringers are out in full force, working diligently to fill the kettles and raise money for the needs of the community. 

The local Salvation Army has set a goal to raise $140,000 this year. That is up $20,000 from last year's goal of $120,000 and up an astounding 56 percent from 2021, the first year that Steve and Lisa Roberson took over at Branson's Salvation Army, as envoys and pastors. All the monies raised in the Red Kettle Campaign go towards Salvation Army efforts in the community—the Food Pantry, Rental Assistance Program, Children's Programs, Christmas Distribution and more.

This year, you will find Salvation Army Bell Ringers and Red Kettles at 16 locations throughout the area, including Dick's 5 & 10, Bass Pro Shop, Belk's, Country Mart, Harter House, Sunfest Market, Hobby Lobby and all area Walmart stores in both Branson and Branson West.

With that many red kettles, the Salvation Army is always in need of bell ringers.  

"I've never said no to an upright bell ringer," said Steven Roberson. "Any time you see an empty stand between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, it means we have a shortage of ringers. You could fill that location."

Roberson explained how to volunteer as a bell ringer, noting, "Call the office and we will give further instructions. You can also Google the Salvation Army Branson, and our web page comes up with good options to follow through. It is also a great place to donate and learn more about us."

As Roberson explained, there are additional ways to donate to the Salvation Army, such as online at https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/branson/ or by sending a check to TSA, P.O. Box 1715, Branson, MO  65616.

Roberson added that the need is great this holiday season,

"We have had record numbers in the Food Pantry in recent weeks and the Christmas Toy applications have blown up this year—at twice the rate of any year before," said Roberson. "In years past we have extended the deadline to let more people in. This year, the numbers were way past the extension numbers within the first two weeks of sign-ups. We will be administrating four toy events this year—our Toy Shop, two Shop with a Hero events, and Heroes as Helpers."

"The government cutbacks have made significant changes in resources and an increase in all demands," Roberson continued. "We literally are having people call and tell us that they are choosing to pay for medications over their rent. Some days it takes all hands on deck, just to answer the onslaught of calls."

In addition to financial contributions, the Salvation Army is also collecting donations of new toys, to be given out during the Toy Shop event. You can pick an angel from the Angel Tree at your local Walmart, purchase any of the items listed, and drop off the gifts, unwrapped, to be given to local children at Christmas. 

The Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign runs through December 24.