Salvation Army's Red Kettles Come To The Palatine Area

PALATINE, IL — With the month of November signaling the start of the holiday season, expect to hear bells ringing at a store near you as the Salvation Army brings out its famous red kettles. This week, bell ringers began collecting donations at the iconic red kettles outside Jewel-Osco and Hobby Lobby stores in Palatine and surrounding area.

The Salvation Army’s annual fundraising campaign will look a little different this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Bell ringers will be required to follow strict guidelines to ensure their safety and the safety of donors.

• Face masks will be provided to each bell ringer, and required to be worn at all times.
• Bell ringers will be required to maintain six feet of distance from donors who approach the kettle.
• All kettle equipment will be sanitized on a regular basis.
• Signs on the kettles will be equipped with Apple Pay and Google Pay technology, encouraging contactless donations with the tap of a smartphone.

The Red Kettles are a vital part of the Rescue Christmas campaign, which The Salvation Army launched in mid-September. The annual fundraising campaign began nearly two months earlier than in a typical year, in order to meet an unprecedented need. Salvation Army corps community centers saw up to a fivefold increase in need during the height of the pandemic in the spring.

“Because of the continued COVID pandemic, many of our neighbors are facing financial hardship this year. We’re seeing many people seeking assistance for the first time,” said Lt. Col. Lonneal Richardson, divisional commander for The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division. “The funds donated to the Red Kettles will allow us to continue supporting a growing number of individuals with the resources they need to keep food on the table, the lights on, and Christmas gifts under the tree. You can help Rescue Christmas.”

The money raised will also fund programming all year long, including rehabilitation for substance use disorders and shelter for the homeless. Seventy percent of The Salvation Army’s donations for the entire year are made during the Christmas season.

In addition to the retail locations already mentioned, Red Kettles will be placed outside Walmart stores on Nov. 21, Mariano’s on Nov. 26, and Macy’s on Nov. 27.

Every donation provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay within the community in which they are given. Donations can be made at the Red Kettles or online at www.salarmychristmas.org. If you need services or know of someone in need, please visit www.salarmychicago.org.