Celebrity Families Team Up with The Salvation Army to Spread Holiday Cheer Nationwide

Spreading Holiday Cheer with The Salvation Army

This holiday season, prominent families across the nation are coming together in a heartwarming initiative to support those in need through The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign. This century-old tradition brings together community members, including renowned chefs and NFL Hall of Famers, who are setting an example by dedicating their time to ring bells at local kettles.

Participating this year are notable figures like television renovation duo Ben and Erin Napier from Laurel, Mississippi, long-time supporters Carlos and Alexa PenaVega from Franklin, Tennessee, and NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter from Boca Raton, Florida. Also joining the cause are chef Guy Fieri from Santa Rosa, California, retired NBA star Michael Redd from New Albany, Ohio, WNBA Hall of Famer Lindsay Whalen from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Miss Volunteer America Berkley Bryant from Anderson, South Carolina. Even the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are joining the initiative, creating a special dance to capture the holiday spirit and inspire others to volunteer.

These celebrity families want to highlight the impact of collective giving and the importance of local volunteering. It is estimated that bell ringers collect between $80 and $100 in donations during a two-hour shift, helping to provide nearly 200 meals for families in need. Erin and Ben Napier emphasized the importance of giving back, stating, "We are excited to encourage families across the country to do the same. Choosing to partner with The Salvation Army was easy because of the incredible work they do year-round."

The Red Kettle Campaign is not just about fundraising; Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, the national commander of The Salvation Army, explains, "It’s about bringing people together, inspiring acts of service, and making a real difference in the lives of families in need. With fewer donation days this year, every hour spent ringing bells is critical."

Last season, the Red Kettle Campaign raised an astonishing average of $2.7 million daily. However, the pressing need for families to step up is even greater this year since a reduction of just five days in donations could lead to a staggering loss of $13.5 million. This increase in need underscores the importance of local communities rallying together to volunteer during this critical time.

Moreover, the funds collected support vital services offered by The Salvation Army, which include meal provision, shelter, and holiday assistance for millions of families facing hardship. Michael Redd, a retired NBA player, shared his enthusiasm for volunteering, stating, "Being part of the National Advisory Board for The Salvation Army has been incredibly inspiring. Every donation helps bring joy and hope to families who need it the most."

Families can get involved in this campaign that aims to spread Christmas cheer and make a significant difference in their local communities. Interested individuals can register to volunteer at a local Red Kettle through RegisterToRing.com or donate by stopping by any red kettle or visiting SalvationArmyUSA.org.

In summary, as the holiday season approaches, families across the nation are encouraged to collaborate with The Salvation Army to spread joy to others. The message is clear: your participation, no matter how small, can have a profound impact and contribute to a greater good. Let this holiday season be a testament to community spirit and generosity. Join The Salvation Army and your community in ringing those bells and making the holidays a little brighter for those in need.