Salvation Army of Augusta needs bell ringers for Red Kettle Campaign

The Salvation Army of Augusta is urgently seeking paid and volunteer bell ringers for its annual Red Kettle Campaign, which began Monday, Nov. 2. With the campaign expanding to 27 storefront locations by Saturday, Nov. 14, and 38 locations planned later this month, the organization is calling for community support to keep the kettles staffed and reach its $300,000 fundraising goal.

“Our biggest need right now is people willing to show up,” said Maj. Jonathan Raymer, Augusta Area Commander. “Every unstaffed kettle is a missed opportunity to help a local family. Whether you need seasonal work or can volunteer a few hours, we need you. The time you spend ringing helps put a warm meal on the table, provide a safe place to sleep and help our neighbors take the next step toward stability.”

Salvation Army seeks bell ringers for red kettle campaign

Expanding Campaign and Rising Demand

The Red Kettle Campaign is The Salvation Army’s largest annual fundraiser, and all donations raised in the Augusta area stay local to support its services. This year’s campaign comes as The Salvation Army Center of Hope faces rising costs and growing demand. Food costs have increased by more than 40%, while the number of community meals served has risen by 38%. Over the past year, the organization sheltered 114 children and helped 118 people move from homelessness into stable housing.

Volunteer and Paid Opportunities

The Salvation Army plans to hire about 70 paid bell ringers and is encouraging individuals, businesses, churches, schools, and civic groups to sign up for volunteer shifts. A hiring fair for paid positions is held every Monday at 10 a.m. through Dec. 7 at The Salvation Army Kroc Center, located at 1833 Broad Street in Augusta. Folks can apply for a paid position or sign up to volunteer at salvationarmyaugusta.org. Early sign-ups get the best pick of times and locations, and no experience is needed.

Salvation Army of Augusta needs bell ringers for Red Kettle Campaign — Photo: augustanewsroom.com

Funds Support Year-Round Community Programs

Funds from the Red Kettles support year-round programs, including meals, emergency shelter, and case management. In Aiken County, kettles provide 25% to 35% of the yearly funding for its emergency shelter and other services. The Augusta campaign has helped over 500 people move into stable housing through case management in the last four years. Those interested can pick dates, times, and spots at ringforhope.org. A separate hiring fair in Aiken County is set for Nov. 9 at 1:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army on Gayle Avenue.

More on Red Kettle Campaign

🔔 The Salvation Army of Augusta is seeking Red Kettle volunteers as demand for assistance grows. Its soup kitchen reports a 41% increase in meals served. The campaign begins Nov. 2, with volunteer and paid bell-ringing opportunities. Read more at The Augusta Press.

— https://x.com/AugustaPress/status/2115770569614586030