Helping Our Communities Beyond Christmas

When members of the Central Indiana community donate to The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettles each Christmas, the impact reaches far beyond the holiday season. The generosity of our community this year helped The Salvation Army of Central Indiana reach its Red Kettle Campaign goal of $3.2 million and fund life-changing programs through 2026.

“The money we raised during the holiday season is already hard at work,” said Mike Rowland, Director of Development of The Salvation Army of Central Indiana. “We saw an increase in need throughout the season, so funds will be used to help our communities.” Since July 2025, The Salvation Army of Central Indiana has seen a 15-20% increase in demand across all services. Families are still struggling to make ends meet with rising food costs, rent increases, and utility bills that have pushed more families to find help, often for the first time.

One of the most immediate needs is food. Each week, The Salvation Army of Central Indiana's food pantries serve around 200 people, providing groceries to individuals and families. Requests for food assistance have increased by 20%, with many households turning to a food pantry for the first time. Red Kettle donations are also helping families remain housed and safe. Rental and utility assistance programs are seeing steady growth as more people struggle to keep the lights on or stay housed in their current homes.

“The donations to the Red Kettles in December represent stability for the mother who needs food in March,” said Rowland. “For a parent, choosing what bills to pay is not sustainable. We want to give families a chance to avoid disconnection or eviction.” The Salvation Army can direct support to where it is needed most, whether that’s emergency assistance today or long-term help to prevent a future crisis.

Every dollar raised represents more than generosity; it represents hope in action. Thanks to the $3.2 million raised, The Salvation Army can continue to stand beside Central Indiana families, offering not just assistance, but also a path forward during challenging times.