Red Kettle Campaign: Salvation Army in need of holiday bell ringers amid pandemic

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 03: Salvation Army volunteer bell ringer San Arnold rings bells as he solicits donations at the Powell Street Bay…

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 03: Salvation Army volunteer bell ringer San Arnold rings bells as he solicits donations at the Powell Street Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station on December 03, 2019 in San Francisco, California. The Salvation Army kicked off the Red Kettle “Partners for Change” campaign inside BART stations in the San Francisco Bay Area that allows riders to donate BART tickets or funds. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Posted: Oct 8, 2020 / 06:25 PM EDT

Updated: Oct 8, 2020 / 06:53 PM EDT

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CLEVELAND (WJW) — The holiday season is right around the corner and the Salvation Army is already putting out the call for volunteers to spread some Christmas cheer.

The organization is looking for volunteers to help with their Red Kettle Campaign.

The Salvation Army says need will be especially great this year as the coronavirus pandemic has impacted many families.

“With fewer Red Kettles this year, we need your support more than ever. Give a monthly donation of $25 and help us Rescue Christmas for our neighbors in need,” the company shared on Twitter.

With fewer Red Kettles this year, we need your support more than ever. Give a monthly donation of $25 and help us #RescueChristmas for our neighbors in need.

Give at https://t.co/lIloa7CN7m. pic.twitter.com/nKfTdNEBzx
— Salvation Army USA (@SalvationArmyUS) September 14, 2020

Red Kettle season typically begins in November. Those interested in volunteering can sign up, here.

The Red Kettle campaign dates back to 1891. Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee was disheartened by the number of impoverished people living in San Francisco.

McFee wanted to provide a free Christmas dinner to all those who were hungry. He only had one issue — funding the project. That’s when he decided to display an iron kettle on the sidewalk, allowing passers-by to drop a coin in.