FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 13, 2026

Behind Every Christmas Miracle Is a Volunteer: The Salvation Army Invites Community to Christmas Fair

Free October 15 event invites families, businesses and community members to discover how a few hours of service can bring hope to thousands of local neighbors this holiday season.

For a child hoping for a gift under the Christmas tree, a parent struggling to put a holiday meal on the table, or a family facing financial hardship, a volunteer can make all the difference.

This Christmas, The Salvation Army is inviting the Rogue Valley community to become part of that difference at its Volunteer Christmas Carnival on Thursday, October 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 304 Beatty Street in Medford. This is an open house, and visitors are welcome to stop by anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The free, festive event will feature carnival games, treats, prizes and opportunities to discover how individuals, families, businesses and groups can bring Christmas joy to their neighbors through volunteering.

Each holiday season, The Salvation Army mobilizes hundreds of helping hands to make Christmas brighter for children and families throughout Jackson County. Holiday efforts include providing Christmas gifts to children through Angel Tree, distributing holiday food assistance, and raising critical funds through the iconic Red Kettle Campaign.

But behind every gift, every holiday meal and every ringing bell is someone willing to give their time.

"Christmas is a beautiful opportunity for our community to come together and make a real difference. For families already struggling to make ends meet, the holidays can bring additional stress and worry. Volunteers help us replace some of that worry with hope. Whether someone gives two hours or an entire day, their kindness can change another family's Christmas."

— Major Jonnette Mulch, The Salvation Army

The need for volunteers extends well beyond the holidays. Last year, The Salvation Army in Medford served approximately 13,000 individuals through programs providing food, housing assistance, emergency support and other essential services. Funds raised during the Christmas season help sustain this work throughout the year.

Ways to Make a Difference

At the Volunteer Christmas Carnival, attendees can explore opportunities to:

• Ring the Bell: Volunteer at one of the community's iconic Red Kettles, raising funds to help local families with food, shelter and other essential needs.
• Bring Christmas Joy through Angel Tree: Help connect generous shoppers with the Christmas wishes of local children at the Rogue Valley Mall.
• Make Magic at the Toy Warehouse: Sort, organize and prepare donated gifts for distribution to children and families.
• Serve Beyond Christmas: Explore year-round opportunities supporting food assistance and other Salvation Army programs.

The event is designed to make volunteering easy and accessible. Visitors can stop by during their lunch hour, enjoy carnival activities, meet Salvation Army staff and sign up for an opportunity that fits their interests and schedules. Families, church groups, businesses and coworkers are especially encouraged to participate together.

"Volunteering isn't just about what we give. It's also about what we gain. There's something powerful about seeing your children discover the joy of serving others or watching coworkers come together for a cause greater than themselves. These experiences strengthen our community, one act of kindness at a time."

— Major Jonnette Mulch