It has become synonymous with other sounds of the season. Mariah Carey’s Christmas music, the Amazon delivery man’s doorbell ringing, and yes, the sound of Salvation Army kettlebells ringing.
But if you notice fewer people ringing bells this year, you’re not wrong.
The Red Kettle campaign debuted in San Francisco in 1891, and bells were added in New York City soon after. By 1901, the Kettle Foundation hosted the first large-scale sit-down dinner at Madison Square Garden for people in need.
Each year, more than 25,000 people volunteer to ring the Salvation Army’s bells from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. But this year, bells, red kettles and donations have visibly disappeared from many storefronts and corners.
So what’s behind the decline?
The Salvation Army told KTLA that the organization’s number of volunteers in 2023 is less than half of what it was before the pandemic, but that number is slowly starting to recover.
Adding to the challenge are fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas and the economic downturn causing people to cut back on extra spending.
The Salvation Army calls this the “compassion economy,” which typically encourages volunteering and donations over the Christmas period, but with KTLA still feeling the financial strain on many people, it says it’s “an important way to overcome this year’s challenges.” “It may be difficult,” he admits.
They are hoping for a strong finish and their own Christmas miracle.
Bell Ringer will continue to be available throughout Christmas Eve at Walmart & Sam’s Club, Ralphs/Food 4 Less, other Kroger stores, Hobby Lobby, JC Penney, Albertsons, Stater Bros., Bristol Farms, Big Lots, Dillard’s, Bass Pro and other local locations. I am permanently stationed at. /Cabela, Walgreens/Rite Aid.
Even if you don’t see the red kettle in person, there’s still time to donate.
If you would like to donate to the online kettle, please visit the Salvation Army’s Southern California website at SoCalRedKettle.org. All Kettle donations stay local to you and provide basic needs to neighbors in need.
