The Salvation Army of Augusta has opened registration for volunteers to ring the bell for its annual Red Kettle Campaign, the nonprofit’s largest local fundraiser supporting programs across the Augusta area.
Donations collected at kettles stay in the community and help fund rent and utility assistance, meals and shelter, according to a press release from the Salvation Army of Augusta.
The organization shared recent impact figures tied to kettle giving: more than $200,000 provided in rent and utility assistance to help families avoid homelessness, about 200 meals served daily through the Center of Hope soup kitchen, and 400-plus people placed into stable housing over the last three years through casework at the Center of Hope.
Demand is climbing. The Center of Hope now averages 15 children in shelter each night, staff field about 20 family requests for shelter every day, and the agency reports a record high volume of requests for rent and utility help.
“When you ring the bell, you keep hope local,” said Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Augusta Major Jonathan Raymer.
Raymer emphasized that every dollar counts and makes a huge impact on the community.
“Every dollar placed in a Red Kettle here in our community stays here — helping to prevent evictions, keep the lights on, serve hot meals, and provide safe shelter for children and their families. We simply cannot do this without volunteers,” Raymer said.
Community members, businesses, churches, schools and civic groups can choose dates, times and locations at ringforhope.org.
Those unable to volunteer can give at a kettle or online at donateaugusta.org.