Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign begins in Elgin

The Salvation Army Elgin Corps officially kicked off its annual Red Kettle campaign quietly on Saturday, but the familiar sounds of bellringers are coming soon.

"Our kettle kickoff went completely virtual," Salvation Army Capt. Rich Forney said. "It was very surreal, no people stopping, we weren't talking to anybody in the public so it was just recording individuals and moving throughout our building, which normally is bustling with activity," Forney said.

They've posted the video of the event at youtu.be/YUKR_3QMd_U.

"We wanted to get the word out that this is still happening," Forney said of this year's campaign with the "Rescue Christmas" theme.

The kettles will still be out in front of stores, just a little farther away from the doors. And volunteer bell ringers will be there starting Nov. 20, but they'll wear face coverings and maintain a safe social distance from those making donations.

"Kettle season is critical to our Corps as we raise most of our fundraising dollars during the Christmas season," said Rick Reigner,

resource development director for the Elgin Corps. "With all the challenges due to COVID, this year's kettle campaign is more important than ever."

Forney said need is doubling across the board this year.

With a goal of raising $210,000 and knowing people carry less cash and change than ever before, the Salvation Army is putting a greater emphasis on online donations, from home and at the kettles, Forney said.

New this year, every kettle will have a sign with a QR code that donors can scan with their phone and access a secure donation site.

"With all the online banking and shopping that people do, we're hoping that we're hitting the trend correctly and making it available for people who are more comfortable giving that way," Forney said.

Individuals and companies can also set up virtual kettles to share and raise money online by going to www.salarmyelgin.org/kettle. Online donations can also be made from the same link.

Reigner said they raise more than 60% of their funds during the Christmas season through the kettle campaign to provide programs and services the community needs. Volunteers are still needed for the 32 kettle locations and help with the other assistance programs during the holidays, Reigner said. Those interested can go to registertoring.com.