The Salvation Army's iconic Red Kettle Campaign is back in Cleveland County, ushering in the festive spirit of Christmas. The Red Kettle Campaign is The Salvation Army's primary fundraising initiative, providing life-changing programs and services throughout the year, including food assistance programs, shelter for people experiencing homelessness, emergency financial assistance, youth programs, and emergency disaster services.

On Monday, November 13 at 10:00a.m. at the Hobby Lobby Store, 1728 East Dixon Blvd., Shelby, Santa showed up to be the first bell ringer for the season. Joining Santa was Sergeants Joseph and Patty Rodgers and Chris Mabry, Salvation Army; Shelby City Mayor Stan Anthony; Cleveland County Commissioner Ronnie Whetstine; and Rodney Henderson, Hobby Lobby Store Manager.

"Hobby Lobby and the Salvation Army partner all across the United States to support the Red Kettle Campaign. We are glad to be one of the sights that people may donate to the campaign," said Rodney Henderson, Hobby Lobby Store Manager.

The Salvation Army of Cleveland County stands as a beacon of hope in the community, providing social services for people experiencing unexpected financial hardship. The Salvation Army relies on the money raised through the Red Kettle campaign to provide Christmas to local families and safeguard the well-being of people in need through year-round programming and social services.

"The Salvation Army has an unwavering commitment to helping people in need, and the Red Kettle campaign is a critical source of funding that helps us meet that commitment," said Sgt. Joseph Rodgers of The Salvation Army of Cleveland County. "The funds the community gives to the Red Kettle ensures families will not have to make agonizing choices between basic needs like housing, food, and medical care."

About the 2023 Campaign: The 2023 Red Kettle local campaign goal is $100,000. Over 300 families and 600 children will have a Christmas. The Red Kettle Campaign ends December 23, and kettles are in eight locations around town, with one in Boiling Springs, and one in Kings Mountain.

History of Red Kettle Campaign in Cleveland County: The community has come together each year since 1965 to support the Red Kettle Campaign by having volunteers from a variety of organizations ring the bell at locations across the county. For many families it has become a tradition to volunteer a day to ring the bell for the Salvation Army. Many people remember when the Red Kettle was in front of First National Bank on Lafayette Street and customers would stop and donate on their way into our out of the bank. Now the Red Kettles are located at Hobby Lobby, Walmart, Big Lots, and several Ingles stores.

Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteering as a bell ringer is an excellent opportunity to give back to the community while spreading the season's joy. To

become a volunteer bell ringer, please visit RegisterToRing.com and follow the prompts or contact Will Rodgers, coordinator, Volunteer Bell Ringers, at 704-477-0742 or email joseph.rodgers@uss.salvationarmy.org

For more information about The Salvation Army of Cleveland County, please visit the website or call by phone.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army annually helps nearly 24 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at nearly 7,000 centers of operation around the country.