The Salvation Army of Porter County Joins the National Commander's Red Kettle Challenge

The Salvation Army of Porter County is gearing up to take part in the National Commander’s Red Kettle Challenge, an annual day of fundraising across the country, issued by Commissioner Merle Heatwole, the organization’s national commander. The challenge will take place on December 13 and calls on Salvation Army officers, volunteers, and supporters nationwide to join Commissioner Heatwole in a spirited competition to raise the most donations throughout the day. All funds raised will support vital services in Porter County. 

Captain Jim Prichard will be ringing bells 1-4 p.m. on December 13 at the Valparaiso Walmart, encouraging the Porter County community to participate and contribute to The Salvation Army’s efforts during the holiday season and all year round.

His goal is to raise $20,000 at his Red Kettle and he's encouraging supporters to choose Saturday for any big year-end gifts they would like to give to The Salvation Army. All cash and checks dropped into his Red Kettle will count toward this goal, so individuals, organizations, and businesses are invited to head to Walmart to be a part of this impactful competition.

"With the increasing challenges our community faces, a growing number of families will benefit from the funds given to Red Kettles," said Captain Prichard. "In fact, all of the funds raised through the Red Kettles stay local to support services, not only during the holidays, but also all year long. They help expand our utility assistance, food pantry, youth programs, and church programs."

A live video stream of the bell ringing challenge will be shared on The Salvation Army’s national Facebook page, along with pop-in chats from local Salvation Army locations and partners across the country.  Captain Prichard will be participating in the livestream around 3:50 p.m. so that he can highlight all the good work being done in Porter County.

Last year, The Salvation Army of Porter County participated in the challenge and the community showed overwhelming support. Captain Prichard's Red Kettle raised $13,729.59 in 2024, ranking seventh in the entire nation. The team in Porter County hopes to best last year's total and use the proceeds to impact even more households in 2026.

For more ways to support The Salvation Army this holiday season, visit SAPorterCounty.org, or you can choose one of the following methods to give:  

• Donate at a Red Kettle: Join us in person at the Valparaiso Walmart, located at 2400 Morthland Drive, on Dec. 13 to make your contribution directly at the kettle.
• Give Online: Give to our 2025 Virtual Red Kettle at salarmy.us/PorterCoVRK2025.
• Volunteer: Sign up to assist at a Red Kettle by visiting RegisterToRing.com.
• Digital Donations: Contribute using Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, or cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum at any Red Kettle.

All funds donated to The Salvation of Porter County will stay local to help out residents in need throughout 2026. To learn more about The Salvation Army's mission and ministries, visit SAPorterCounty.org.