The Salvation Army of Savannah is slated to kick off the holiday season with the launch of its annual Red Kettle Campaign on Saturday, Nov. 6 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. during the “Santa Wonderland Kick Off” event at Bass Pro Shop, located at 14045 Abercorn St., Savannah. This event will feature a special visit from Santa Claus, along with Mrs. Claus and Frosty the Snowman.

This free and family-friendly community event will include a Christmas themed tailgate with cookies and hot cocoa for all, with children receiving complimentary goodie bags. This event will raise awareness of the iconic Salvation Army fundraising programs including red kettles, as well as the organization’s Angel Tree Program. The Red Kettle Campaign provides the best way for the local community to assist in The Salvation Army’s mission of ‘Doing the Most Good’ in Savannah. Without the support of the community, The Salvation Army could not provide food and lodging to people in need in our region year-round.  

“The Red Kettle Campaign is kicking off this year with an amazing partnership with Bass Pro Shops at their Santa Wonderland Kickoff! We are encouraging people to take part in Doing The Most Good in Savannah this holiday season,” said The Salvation Army of Savannah’s Major Paul Egan. “The participation and community support we received last year helped us meet our campaign goals which we are extremely grateful for and we would love to feel that support again this year. Patrons of this joint event can rest assured that they will enjoy the season of Christmas while impacting families and children across the Coastal Empire!” 

The Salvation Army is always in need of volunteers to ring the kettles at partner locations during the holiday season to ensure more funds are raised during this campaign to benefit their mission. A volunteer bell ringer raises more donations on average, but less than 10 percent of bell ringers are volunteers. One hour of bell ringing can provide a meal for a family of four, and an entire day of ringing (eight hours) can provide lodging for a family of four for one month.

One of the best ways to help during the Red Kettle Campaign is to sign up as an individual or group for a week of volunteering. Volunteer shifts are eight hours a day with hours from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Flexible volunteer opportunities are available for scheduling at www.registertoring.com.

The Salvation Army has served greater Savannah for the past 120 years and has always supported the most vulnerable in our community. Whether the community is affected by COVID-19, hurricanes, floods, fires or the Spanish influenza that impacted the world over a century ago, The Salvation Army continues to serve those who need it the most.

For more information about TSA, please visit www.salvationarmygeorgia.org/savannah/ or call 912-200-3004.