STUART — For the first time in 130 years, The Salvation Army is starting its annual holiday fundraising campaign early across the country in order to rescue Christmas. The funds raised through the organization’s iconic red kettles are at risk this year due to COVID-19 while requests for services are at an all-time high.

Now more than ever, The Salvation Army is making it safer and simpler to donate in order to support the most vulnerable within our community this Christmas:
• Red Kettle season begins Friday, Nov. 27 after Thanksgiving with kettles placed throughout Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee on the following 12 days during November and December: Nov. 27 and 28, and Dec. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, and the 21-24.
• Volunteer to be a bell ringer by signing up at RegisterToRing.com.

• Give hope and joy to kids and families in need through The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program and adopt an Angel at AdoptAnAngel2020.org.
• The best way to ensure that these vital services continue is to enlist in Love’s Army with a sustaining monthly gift of $25 per month.
• Donate digitally with Apple Pay or Google Pay at any red kettle in Florida.

Ask Amazon Alexa to donate by saying, “Alexa, donate to The Salvation Army,” then specifying the amount.

Give any amount by texting “KETTLES” to 91999.

Donate physical gifts in bulk.

Every donation provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay within the community in which they are given. Visit RescueChristmas.org to donate or learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army rescue Christmas this year. If you need services or know of someone in need, please https://salvationarmyflorida.org/martincounty/ to find a location near you.