November 11, 2021 Rochester, N.Y. — The Salvation Army of Greater Rochester kicked off its annual Red Kettle Campaign at Marketplace Mall today announcing this year’s $400,000 goal as well as this year’s Honorary Red Kettle Campaign Chairperson – Meteorologist Scott Hetsko from WHAM Channel 13.   

“I am very excited to have been asked to serve as honorary chair for the red kettle campaign in 2021,” said Scott Hetsko. “The Salvation Army, like many other nonprofits in our area have had many challenges during the pandemic serving those in need.  I know that our community will come through and help us reach our goal this year.” 

County Executive Adam Bello and Salvation Army Advisory Board Chairperson Chris Passero also spoke, sharing their support and encouraging the community to get involved. 

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign is the most visible of its fundraisers and has been present in communities around the globe for more than 150 years. Around Rochester you’ll find close to 50 red kettles at malls, stores and special events to support local service programs. Donations to the Red Kettle Campaign are used to help feed hungry families, shelter the homeless, provide Christmas food baskets and toys, and fund essential programs such as youth enrichment and Emergency and Family Services. 

New to the campaign this year is a Battle Of The Bells contest where Participating businesses, groups and organizations will ring as teams and compete to raise the most donations during their shifts.  The group who raises the most this holiday season will be the 2021 Battle of the Bells winner, keeping the contest's legacy trophy at their location until next year’s battle.

“This competition to raise the most money is a win-win for both participants and those we serve.” said Major Deborah Burr, Director of Monroe County Operations for The Salvation Army. “The winning group will be announced once the Red Kettle Campaign closes and their name engraved on a legacy trophy.”  

Organizations are encouraged to register for this contest at salarmy.us/rocbgb. 

To be successful, the Red Kettle Campaign needs the help of almost 8,000 community members to volunteer to ring bells between November 12 and December 24.  

“Volunteers are the difference between an empty kettle and one that raises enough to provide a family with two bags of groceries, or shelter an individual for a night,” Major Burr added. 

 Volunteers can join in the holiday tradition and sign up for bell ringing “shifts” at www.RegisterToRing.com or by calling (585) 987-9500 x2308. 

Donations are likewise needed more than ever this year, with COVID-19 still affecting many through home evictions, employment loss, mental health crises, and addiction abuse. Money raised from the Red Kettle campaign supports those in our area who look to the Salvation Army in Rochester for help. 

“Donations made locally will stay local to help support our neighbors in need,” said Major Burr. “Whatever amount people put into our Red Kettles – it is making change happen for our community.” 

The Salvation Army’s Christmas Assistance Program, which provides free toys and food during the holidays, served more than 1,500 families last year. The same if not more are expected in 2021.  Annually, The Salvation Army of Greater Rochester provides more than 36,000 meals and 30,000 nights of shelter. 

The Red Kettle Campaign will continue to make donating easier for those who no longer carry cash by offering Apple Pay and Google Pay options at the iconic Red Kettle sites.  The Salvation Army has placed smart chips and QR codes on Red Kettle signs across Monroe County, allowing shoppers to simply “bump” or scan their phones to make a digital donation. Funds are distributed to local Salvation Army units based on the donor’s billing ZIP code and a receipt will be emailed to the address provided.  

Those unable to get to a Red Kettle this season can donate online at salarmy.us/rockettle21 or by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY. For more information, call (585) 987-9500 or visit RochesterNY.SalvationArmy.org.