The Salvation Army of La Porte Announces $12,000 Red Kettle Match

Bells may be ringing a little louder in this final week of fundraising for The Salvation Army of La Porte thanks to an anonymous local donor. From December 19 through Christmas Eve all gifts made to Red Kettles at local businesses will be doubled up to $12,000 thanks to this generous gift.  

"This final week of kettles is so vital to our fundraising efforts this Christmas," said Major Becky Simmons of The Salvation Army La Porte Corps. "Thanks to this generous gift, we have a unique opportunity to double every dollar dropped into kettles and make it possible to fund vital services in La Porte in 2026. Thank you to this long-time supporter for continuing to have faith in The Salvation Army to do the most good in La Porte County!"

Last year, The Salvation Army of La Porte provided more than 312,000 meals to the community in its fight against food insecurity. In addition to the bustling food pantry, the backpack program provides weekend meals throughout the school year for 750 children attending 13 area schools. Money raised in Red Kettles this year will mean hundreds of thousands of meals that can be served in 2026.

The first day of this match also falls on the day of the annual "Battle of the Mayors" between La Porte and Michigan City. Anyone hoping to double the impact of their gift while helping Mayor Tom Dermody fill his kettle can find the mayor at the Kroger store in La Porte on Friday. 

Shoppers looking for Red Kettles this week will find bell ringers at Walmart, Kabelin Ace Hardware, Kroger, Al's, and the U.S. Post Office. Volunteer bell ringers are still needed to man every kettle through Christmas Eve. Anyone interested in volunteering to ring a bell this week is invited to visit RegisterToRing.com and find a location, date, and time that works for their schedule.

Every donation given to The Salvation Army through the annual Red Kettle Campaign provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay right here in the community where it is given. Visit SALaPorte.org to learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army bring joy to more local families in need in 2026.