The Salvation Army’s Red Kettles Raise Over $100 Million To Help Neighbors in Need
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Everyday generosity fueled increases in online giving, mobile wallet donations, Red Kettles, and viral support of the Angel Tree program during the 2025 giving season.
ALEXANDRIA, Va., (March 20, 2026) — Despite a shorter-than-usual holiday season and fluctuating support for basic social services, the longest-running holiday fundraising campaign raised more than $100 million through its iconic Red Kettles in 2025. Funds raised will support the increasing need for critical year-round programs for those facing hunger, housing instability, and other emergencies.
Even in a year marked by financial strain and economic uncertainty, donors showed up to support their neighbors. Donations to physical Red Kettles totaled more than $103 million, a nearly 4% increase over the previous year, and digital donations totaled $51 million, growing by nearly 8%. Viral attention on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram has aided in doubling in-kind donations to the Angel Tree program over the past three years.
The campaign kicked off during the Thanksgiving Day match-up between the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs with a halftime performance by Post Malone. The Salvation Army encouraged the public to “Give With Joy” during the holiday season, celebrating the way small acts of kindness can improve not only your community but also inspire happiness in your own life.
The one-of-a-kind fundraising effort benefits from thousands of local volunteers who ring bells at storefronts of corporate partners that are committed to spreading joy during the holidays. Last year’s national partners included Walmart, Sam’s Club, Kroger, Hobby Lobby, Mardel, Walgreens, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, JCPenney, Food Lion, Redner’s Markets, Boscov’s, Dillard’s, Macerich Shopping Centers, as well as local businesses and organizations.
“Our retail partners that open their storefronts to Red Kettles each holiday season, as well as the thousands of volunteers who take part, help bring hope to communities across the country,” said Commissioner Merle Heatwole, national commander of The Salvation Army. “Their partnership is invaluable. Even as giving increased compared to the previous year, the reality is that the cost of providing services continues to climb.”
Support from individuals and corporations continues to be an essential part of the Red Kettle Campaign. Higher costs for goods and services as well as rent and utilities, coupled with disruptions to federal benefits, have placed added pressure on The Salvation Army’s 7,400 locations to provide basic needs. The Salvation Army anticipates that even more support is needed to meet rising needs over the coming year, as consumer confidence has reached its lowest point in more than a decade and unemployment remains elevated.
Those who feel moved to make a difference are encouraged to embrace the joy of giving beyond the Christmas season by:
● Making a one-time or recurring gift at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org.
● Volunteering with your local Salvation Army to support food pantries, shelters, youth programs, seasonal drives, and more.
Every donation stays in the community to provide help and hope for neighbors in need. To learn more, give help, or get help, please visit SalvationArmyUSA.org.
About The Salvation Army
In 2024, The Salvation Army helped 28 million people in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting human needs in His name without discrimination in nearly every ZIP code. By providing food, shelter, eviction prevention assistance, emergency disaster relief, rehabilitation, after-school and summer youth programs, spiritual enrichment, and more, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at more than 7,400 centers of operation around the country. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org.
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