KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Salvation Army of Kalamazoo will be launching its 2025 bell-ringing season with the Annual Red Kettle Kickoff this Thursday.
Salvation Army officials say funds raised not only help families in need during the holiday season with the nonprofit’s Toy Shop, but also with programs that operate year-round. Donations go to support housing and utility assistance, youth programs and The Salvation Army’s food pantry, which is experiencing record setting increases.
“As the nation’s largest nongovernmental provider of social services, The Salvation Army is among the first organizations to see a spike in requests for service when large numbers of people are financially impacted by economic challenges,” said Corps Officer Lt. Simon Micula. “We are already seeing an increased demand for food assistance as families experience the loss of SNAP benefits.”
Bell ringers are the primary force behind the Red Kettle campaign in Kalamazoo. “Red Kettle season would not be possible without the support of our amazing volunteers. Even though we are relatively new to Kalamazoo, we have already heard from store managers how wonderful our volunteer bell ringers are.”
The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Blain’s Farm and Fleet in Portage. Those scheduled to attend include Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson and members of The Salvations Army Brass Band. Hot cocoa and donuts will be provided by Sweetwater’s Donut Mill.
Those interested in volunteering with the Red Kettle Campaign can go to registertoring.com.
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