The Salvation Army in Urgent Need of Donations as Cold Weather Impacts Red Kettle Campaign

The Salvation Army of Northwest Indiana is facing lower donations at Red Kettles this year as it heads into the final weeks of its annual Red Kettle Campaign. Donations are down from 2024, so The Salvation Army is appealing to residents of Lake and Porter counties to help them raise the funds necessary to continue vital services in 2026.

As of December 4, The Salvation Army had reached just 40 percent of its $374,500 Red Kettle Campaign goal. Colder than normal temperatures and early snowfalls have impacted bell ringing and foot traffic at local retailers, resulting in fewer donations at Red Kettles this year.   

"The Salvation Army of Northwest Indiana is in urgent need of your help," explained Major Troy Barker, Area Commander of The Salvation Army of Northwest Indiana. "Because of the extreme cold and heavy snow, our Red Kettle donations are significantly lower than usual. Please donate to our kettles today or by going online to The Salvation Army of Northwest Indiana's Virtual Red Kettle.  Your generosity keeps families fed and safe this winter. Thank you!"

Funds raised at Red Kettles support both seasonal and year-round programs in Lake and Porter counties. These include youth archery and music programs, utility and rent assistance, hot meals and food pantries, and the Pathway of Hope program, which seeks to put an end to generational poverty one family at a time.

With Red Kettles in communities across the two counties, it takes hundreds of volunteers to ring bells and collect donations. Individuals, families, businesses, social clubs, schools, and churches and all welcome to visit RegisterToRing.com to find a location, day, and time that works best for them. Just two hours ringing a bell at a Red Kettle can raise enough money to feed a family of four for an entire week, but an empty stand without a volunteer means one less family that can be helped in 2026. 

Donations can also be made online to help The Salvation Army reach its holiday fundraising goal before the end of the year. Visit salarmy.us/northwestindianavrk2025 to give to the 2025 Virtual Red Kettle. Fundraising teams are set up for each of The Salvation Army's locations in northwest Indiana: East Chicago, Gary-Merrillville, Hammond-Munster, and Porter County.

For more information about the Red Kettle Campaign or The Salvation Army visit SANorthwestIndiana.org.