Bender Lumber's Red Kettle Challenge Aims to Meet Growing Need with $11,600 Matching Gift to The Salvation Army

Gift will double donations made to Red Kettles in five Indiana counties on November 28 & 29

For the sixth year running Bender Lumber Co. is stepping up to offer a series of matching gifts that could double every dollar dropped into Salvation Army Red Kettles in five Indiana counties on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving.

On November 28 and 29 Bender Lumber will match dollar for dollar cash donations in all Red Kettles in Daviess, Greene, Lawrence, Morgan, and Orange counties. With the cost of living continuing to rise for Hoosier households, Bender Lumber is responding to the growing need by increasing the total dollars that could be matched on this busy holiday shopping weekend. Between the five matches, local Salvation Army programs could see up to $11,600 in additional funds for use in 2026.

Founded in Bloomington in 1931, Bender Lumber has stores across central and southern Indiana. This special match will be the first of two for the season, with a second match planned in December to help out additional communities where Bender Lumber does business. 

"Bender Lumber values serving and helping people in our community, which also is the mission of The Salvation Army," said Ben Watters, President of Bender Lumber. "When you give to a Red Kettle on a Match Day, you double your power to help and encourage even more people."

Shoppers looking for a Red Kettle during the match period will be able to find bell ringers at more than a dozen locations, including Walmart and Kroger stores. Anyone interested in volunteering to ring a bell this holiday season is invited to visit RegisterToRing.com and find a location, date, and time that works for their schedule. 

"Bender Lumber's continued matching support fuels the heartbeat of our Annual Red Kettle Campaign," said Billie Kay, Service Extension Director for The Salvation Army Indiana Division. "Thank you for investing in hope and community."

Every donation given to The Salvation Army through the annual Red Kettle Campaign provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay right here in Indiana. Visit SalvationArmyIndiana.org to learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army spread joy and continue to help those in need in 2026.