The long-standing Salvation Army tradition of red kettles and bell ringing kicks off from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 15 at White Oaks Mall. Jeff Eddy, corps officer and envoy of The Salvation Army Clear Lake Corps and Community Center, said the public event will have Capitol Big Band and other musical groups, crafts, face painting and a hot chocolate bar to engage people and enlighten the public about the organization.
The red kettle fundraising campaign has changed in recent years, Eddy said.
“Prior to 2020, we averaged about $200,000 in our red kettles. The pandemic and the economy kind of messed that up, and we have been working hard each year to get more and more covered,” he said. “Last year’s total of $92,000 was a high since 2019. This year, I truly believe we can find the volunteers it takes to bring in at least $125,000 – that’s the goal.”
As people increasingly make donations and purchases electronically, virtual kettles provide some options.
“The virtual kettles are a modern take on the bell ringing we have done for 125 years,” said Eddy. Donors will find access at bit.ly/ringfromhome. “When you go to the site, join the team here in Springfield, and you have your own kettle that can be customized with your picture, personal messages and a goal. It gives you a link to share with friends, coworkers, teams, groups and congregations to help you meet your goal for our neighbors here in Springfield.”
Eddy credits Michael Thomas, Express Employment Professional’s director of business relationships and a longtime Salvation Army volunteer, for the growth in virtual kettle use.
“We would like to see businesses get involved in this way; they could do it as a business or even have their departments do it as a competition. It is very impactful and no one gets cold,” he said.
Thomas got involved with The Salvation Army 15 years ago. He was paroled from the Illinois Department of Corrections and looking to start a new life in Springfield.
“I was struggling to find employment due to my criminal background,” Thomas said. After months of applying for jobs, he received a call from The Salvation Army and was hired to work in the warehouse.
Thomas continued, “They gave me an opportunity when no one else would … and within six months, I was promoted to production supervisor. Now, I’m responsible for close to 60 employees and five stores. Since that time, I’ve served on the board in different capacities in addition to leading a men’s small group on Sunday nights. … To me, The Salvation Army is very important. Sometimes we don’t know how important until we are the one in need.”
Funds raised for The Salvation Army support a wide range of local programs and services aimed at meeting the community’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs. These include youth programs, social ministries, teen and young adult life skills and mentorship programs, services for veterans and homeless prevention and diversion programs. Additionally, the organization has a food pantry and senior meal programs. It provides medical care in partnership with SIU Medicine; offers Pathway of Hope, a long-term case management program focused on helping families move from crisis to stability; and disaster relief.
“When you ring a bell at a kettle, you often get a very interesting experience,” said Eddy. “Donations are made with purpose. In between the regular $1 or $5 that goes in, you get the person that you might assume would pass by, but they don’t. They give and then they tell you about the time when they were in crisis, maybe at the brink of homelessness or at a point where they didn’t know where their family’s next meal would come from, and then they found The Salvation Army.”
Supporters come from a wide range of backgrounds.
“It is humbling to understand that many of our funds come from people who give not because they have excess to share,” Eddy explained, “but because their lives have been impacted by the mission of The Salvation Army. You often meet people who either went through our adult rehabilitation program or had a loved one who did, and they’ll actually attribute their continued survival on that opportunity.”
“With the world changing as rapidly as it has been, and the uncertainty of the economy, what we do as The Salvation Army is just as critical as it has ever been,” said Eddy. “We need good public support to march forward with the same strength and fervor of The Salvation Army that has helped shape the landscape of Springfield since 1888. We greatly appreciate everyone who currently supports, and we invite others to consider supporting our mission. There is so much potential in Springfield, and together we can make it a better place to live for everyone.”
Janet Seitz is a local communications professional, writer and artist. To share your story, contact her at janetseitz1@gmail.com.
This article appears in November SBJ 2025.