Salvation Army of Augusta calls for last minute support to meet $50,000 gap

A Salvation Army bell ringer collects donations outside an Augusta Walmart. Photo courtesy Salvation Army

A Salvation Army bell ringer collects donations outside an Augusta Walmart. Photo courtesy Salvation Army

Date: December 22, 2025

With just two days of bell-ringing left, The Salvation Army of Augusta is asking residents to help raise the remaining $50,000 left to meet its 2025 Red Kettle Campaign goal.

“We’re thankful for the generosity this community has shown so far, and we’re asking people to help us finish strong,” said Major Jonathan Raymer, area commander for The Salvation Army of Augusta, in a statement.

“These final two days matter. Every donation helps sustain year-round support for families and individuals who depend on us,” Raymer said.

The Red Kettle Campaign is the organization’s largest fundraiser, underwriting programs that operate year-round. All donations made at local kettles or online remain in the Augusta area, the statement said. 

Campaign proceeds support operations at the Center of Hope, the area’s only emergency overnight shelter located on Greene Street. The Center of Hope serves about 200 meals a day.

In addition, caseworkers have helped over 400 people experiencing homelessness move into stable housing over the last four years, while a rent and utility assistance program has supported more than 900 residents in the past year.

Donations can still be made at Red Kettle locations at participating stores across the Augusta area. For cashless giving, kettles include QR codes that link directly to online donation options. Contributions also can be made through the Virtual Red Kettle at donateaugusta.org.

The Salvation Army says it serves nearly 24 million people each year through programs that include food assistance, disaster relief, rehabilitation services, youth programs and shelter and clothing support. The Salvation Army operates at nearly 7,000 centers across the United States. 

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The Author

Susan McCord is a veteran journalist and writer who began her career at publications in Asheville, N.C. She spent nearly a decade at newspapers across rural southwest Georgia, then returned to her Augusta hometown for a position at the print daily. She’s a graduate of the Academy of Richmond County and the University of Georgia. Susan is dedicated to transparency and ethics, both in her work and in the beats she covers. She is the recipient of multiple awards, including a Ravitch Fiscal Reporting Fellowship, first place for hard news writing from the Georgia Press Association and the Morris Communications Community Service Award. Reach Susan at (229) 291-1915 or susan@theaugustapress.com

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