The Salvation Army of Traverse City Announces Red Kettle Kickoff, Holiday Assistance and Community Meals

The Salvation Army of Traverse City will launch its 2026 Red Kettle Campaign on Friday, Nov. 13, at Blain’s Farm & Fleet as it seeks to raise $249,500 to support programs serving about 30,000 local people. 

The public is invited to the kickoff from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Major Alan Hellstrom, corps officer, will welcome attendees. Advisory Board member Rebecca Bercini and George Chichester, general manager of Williams Chevrolet, will also speak. Williams Chevrolet is this year’s Gold Kettle Sponsor. Music, cookies, refreshments and a visit from Santa will follow.

An anonymous donor will provide up to $50,000 in matching funds on Mondays and Saturdays in December, plus a $35,000 match during the campaign’s final week. Red Kettle donations support local social service programs.

“Williams Chevrolet is locally owned and locally focused. Year-round, we help our local community family with transportation needs and assist in other matters that arise. We are honored to continue the tradition by being the Gold Kettle Sponsor of The Salvation Army of Traverse City this season,” Chichester said.

Bell ringing begins Nov. 13 and continues through Dec. 24 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. New downtown locations are Espresso Bay and Grand Traverse Pie Co. on Park Street.

Other bell ringing locations include Walmart, Sam’s Club, Tom’s Food Markets, Oleson’s Food Stores East and West, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, Family Fare on Eighth Street, Family Fare in Chums Corner and Hobby Lobby. Follow The Salvation Army of Traverse City on Facebook and Instagram for special ringing events and matching dates. Individuals, families, co-workers and church groups may sign up to ring bells online.

Angel Tree holiday assistance provides Christmas gifts for children ages 17 and younger and a Thanksgiving or Christmas food basket for qualifying families. The Salvation Army partners with Toys for Tots and hosts a toy shop at its Barlow Street Community Center, where eligible parents with appointments select gifts for their children.

Applicants must live in Grand Traverse, Benzie or Leelanau counties and have household incomes at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Applications open Monday, Oct. 26, at SAAngelTree.org. Applicants may request a holiday food basket through the same portal. Households without children may apply for a food basket at 1239 Barlow St. In 2025, the program served 639 children, including 182 teens ages 13 to 17.

Holiday community meals are open to everyone at the Corps Community Center located at 1239 Barlow St. Thanksgiving dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25. Christmas dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23. Both free events will include a homemade meal, fellowship, music and a visit from Santa. Reservations are not required.

Teen Angel Program connects community sponsors with qualifying teens ages 13 to 17. The late Ruth Blick founded the program after recognizing that teens were less likely to be selected by sponsors. Sponsors may support one or more teens at $150 each.

Unwrapped gifts may be dropped off at The Salvation Army of Traverse City from noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 10-11. To sponsor a teen, contact Sue Brown, director of community resource development, at 231-649-2752 or sue.brown@usc.salvationarmy.org. Donations also may be made through the Traverse City Angel Tree campaign.