The Salvation Army Prepares for Christmas Season

As the weather turns colder, The Salvation Army of Vigo County is looking toward the busy holidays and the needs of the community during this festive time of year. Whether residents are looking for support or seeking a way to give back, now is the perfect time to reach out to The Salvation Army.

CHRISTMAS ASSISTANCE

Christmas assistance applications are open now through the end of November for Vigo County residents struggling to make ends meet. The online application is available at SAAngelTree.org. 

Households that sign up for Christmas assistance through The Salvation Army will be directed toward one of three programs offered to Vigo County residents: The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program, Toys for Tots, or Shop with a Cop.

“This has been a really difficult year for a lot of local families," said Major Tim Parker with The Salvation Army. "We're seeing an increase in the number of people looking for help, especially as the holidays approach. The last thing we want is for a parent to have to decide between paying rent and giving their child a Christmas present. Ministries like Angel Tree help to ease the financial burdens facing families right here in Vigo County."

The public has an opportunity to give back by adopting Angels and providing Christmas gifts to children in the Angel Tree program. These Angels are available now for adoption on The Salvation Army's website at SATerreHaute.org.

RED KETTLES RETURN NOVEMBER 7

The Salvation Army is committed to helping their neighbors in need year-round, which is why November and December will see the return of the iconic Red Kettles to storefronts in Terre Haute and West Terre Haute. Starting on November 7, volunteer bell ringers will be out encouraging donations from holiday shoppers. Every dollar dropped into a Red Kettle will help to provide food, shelter, and support in Vigo County throughout 2026.

With more than 3,500 hours of bell ringing available, The Salvation Army is asking members of the community to visit RegisterToRing.com and sign up for a two-hour shift. Ringing for just two hours can raise enough money to feed a family of four for an entire week. Groups, families, service clubs, students, and churches are welcome to sign up to help bring joy to the community this year.

Red Kettle Locations:

• Hobby Lobby (November 7-December 24)
• Kirby Foods (November 7-December 24)
• Baesler's Market (November 14-December 24)
• Walmart (November 15-December 24)
• Sam's Club (November 15-December 24)
• Kroger (November 28-December 24)

Businesses and organizations interested in hosting a Red Kettle, sponsoring an existing kettles, adopting are invited to reach out to Major Tim Parker at timothy.parker@usc.salvationarmy.org. For more information about The Salvation Army's programs and services, call (812) 232-4081 or visit saterrehaute.org.