STUART — The Salvation Army of Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee Counties’ Red Kettle Campaign has officially begun. In a year marked by uncertainty, seeing friendly faces wearing a mask, greeting you from a safe 6 feet distance with smiles (take our word for it, they are smiling under those masks), and soft bell chimes alongside the red kettles is a welcomed and comforting sight. “We had to scale down our Red Kettle Campaign due to COVID, but the need is greater than ever and continuing to rise. We are hopeful that as a community, local businesses, organizations, and individuals that can dig a little deeper will do so for those who cannot. Whether that is dropping a donation in a kettle, matching donations through our Kettle Match program, or volunteering to ring — we are grateful for every contribution,” says Captain Jeff Marquis. The red kettles will be throughout Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee Counties across just ten days on December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, and 24.

The Kettle Campaign began in 1891 with an iron kettle, a sign which read “Keep the Pot Boiling,” and a simple goal — to feed the hungry in San Francisco, California. Each donation placed in a local kettle stays local to support your neighbors in need (residents living in Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee Counties). As the largest social services provider, The Salvation Army is committed to ensuring this holiday season is bright for everyone.

If you’re interested in donating to the Red Kettle Campaign, call 772-215-5258 or email Katherine.Gillen@uss.salvationarmy.org. Or you’d like to volunteer; bell ringing is the perfect holiday project for service organizations or a group of friends, sign up by visiting https://www.registertoring.com/ or call 772-288-1471 ext. 202.