Salvation Army launches virtual red kettles across Indiana

The Salvation Army has started its holiday fundraising campaigns.

Director of Community Relations, Samantha Hyde said the Red Kettle Campaign will be virtual again this year.

“There aren’t as many kettles out, not as many people are shopping in physical stores,” Hyde said. “A lot of people are shopping online, and they want that convenience of being able to support the organizations that they love but without having to leave the house and go hunt down an actual physical red kettle.”

Indianapolis, along with Bloomington, Evansville, Fort Wayne, New Albany, Warsaw, and Columbia City, are also launching peer-to-peer campaigns.

“A peer-to-peer campaign is more like networking.  You do have that big bucket, but people get to sign up and say ‘hey I want to be a virtual bell ringer, I want to have my own kettle,’” Hyde said.

Red Kettles will still make an appearance this holiday season. Volunteers are encouraged visit RegisterToRing.com and sign up for a 2-hour shift.

The Virtual Red Kettle Campaign has a goal of raising $250,000 online.

The Salvation Army expects a decrease in funds raised nationally through the traditional Red Kettles because of the closing of many retail stores, shoppers no longer carrying cash, and a drop in foot traffic.

Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Taylor Bennett at tbennett@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @TaylorB2213.