Texarkana, Texas – The Salvation Army’s beloved Red Kettle Campaign is back for the 2026 holiday season, offering a simple yet powerful way for residents to extend compassion to neighbors facing hardship.
Local volunteers needed to ring the bells
From the first Monday of November until Christmas Eve, red kettles will be positioned outside participating stores and businesses throughout Texarkana, Monday through Saturday. The organization is actively recruiting volunteers to ring the bells and greet donors. Interested individuals can sign up at SalvationArmyVolunteer.com or call 870‑774‑2701.
How the funds help the community
According to Maj. Tex Ellis Jr., the local Salvation Army commander, the money collected through the kettles serves as a lifeline for families confronting food insecurity, homelessness and other urgent needs. “The red kettle reminds us how easy it is to bring joy to our community, igniting hope and providing support to those who are in the most need,” Ellis said.
The campaign supports year‑round programs that deliver nourishment, emergency shelter, clothing, and social‑service assistance to thousands of individuals and families across the region. By contributing during the holiday season, donors help ensure those services remain robust when demand spikes.
Corporate partners and community generosity
Local businesses have again opened their storefronts to host the kettles, demonstrating the town’s strong tradition of charitable giving. Ellis praised the “unwavering support we receive from our generous donors and corporate partners,” noting that the collective effort reflects Texarkana’s spirit of neighborly care.
How to donate
Donors can place cash or credit‑card contributions directly into the kettles, or they may visit the Salvation Army’s Texarkana website at salvationarmytexarkana.org for additional ways to give, including online donations and in‑kind contributions.
The Red Kettle Campaign is a time‑honored tradition that began in 1891 when a Salvation Army captain used a crab pot in San Francisco to collect funds. Over the past century, the campaign has grown into a globally recognized symbol of generosity and hope.
Join the effort
Residents who wish to volunteer, donate, or learn more about the program are encouraged to contact the Salvation Army office at 870‑774‑2701. With community participation, the Red Kettle Campaign will continue to provide essential aid to those who need it most throughout the holiday season and beyond.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
