TAMPA, Fla. — The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign is kicking off this holiday season.
Starting Saturday, bell ringers will be at different Walmart locations in an effort to raise $1.5 million in the Tampa Bay area this year.
“It’s been extremely challenging for us to think about how our red kettles will happen,” said the area commander Captain Andy Miller.
He said though there are fewer locations, they’ve also had fewer volunteers sign up and are hoping more will join. It comes at a time of increased demand.
Miller said they’ve had a 300 percent increase in calls in people looking for their services.
“Unfortunately we sense there are fewer people walking by the kettles and we have fewer kettles out so we could really use people to come alongside us to help rescue Christmas this season,” he said.
There are guidelines in place and each volunteer will receive an individual kit including an apron and face mask.
There are several other ways to give as well.
You can donate at the kettle, through Apple or Google pay at the kettle which is touch-less, by hosting a virtual kettle online or donating online.
“We know the need is greater. At the same time we have this challenge where people are out less so therefore they’ll be coming by our kettles less so we really need people to respond,” said Miller.
