AUSTIN, Texas — It may not feel like winter in Central Texas, but one of the holiday season’s most familiar sounds will arrive on Monday.
“It’s that time of year,” said Lewis Reckline, area commander for the The Salvation Army. “Kettles, bell ringers, raising money to help us help others.”
The nonprofit’s Red Kettle Campaign returns Monday for its 134th year.
Bell ringers will be stationed at roughly 35 locations, including malls, Walmarts, Hobby Lobby stores and other businesses.
Reckline said all money raised in Central Texas will stay local. The proceeds funds Salvation Army programs and services in Central Texas, including emergency shelter, food assistance, childcare, therapy and job assistance.
“Our waitlist right now is 498 people, and 287 of those are children. And they’re waiting to get into our two shelters, which are always full,” Reckline said. “So, as one family rotates out, we rotate more in.”
Reckline said the need in the Austin area is growing with the rising cost of living.
“The scary part is, where are these families right now that need us?” Reckline asked. “They’re under a bridge, they’re on someone’s sofa, they’re probably getting ready to get evicted. And so, the need is huge. Our program helps them because we stay with them beyond the time that they leave.”
To meet that growing need, The Salvation Army is also looking for more volunteers to serve as bell ringers. Anyone interested can sign up at this link.
Anyone who prefers to donate online can do so at this link.