Salvation Army’s fundraising goal falling short in Tucson

“The Red Kettle Campaign is so important. We sustain services for the whole year during 2026 with funds from this campaign. It helps us provide 365 days of year-round services for less fortunate people and families,” said Major Andres Espinoza, City Coordinator of The Salvation Army Tucson.

Now in its 135th year, the iconic campaign is hallmarked by red kettles manned by volunteer bell-ringers. It is the largest annual fundraiser for the organization, typically raising about eight percent of the gifts to the Salvation Army Tucson for the entire year. The campaign is currently at 55 percent of its $322,000 goal.

Proceeds help fund Salvation Army holiday community meals and seasonal programs, back-to-school supplies, after-school care and summer camp programs for youth; the Salvation Army Hospitality House shelter and services, emergency assistance with rent and utilities, Operation Deep Freeze and Operation Chill Out to assist the homeless during extreme temperatures, senior activities and outreach, and work assistance programs and case management. The nonprofit assisted more than 24,000 people throughout the region with social services last year.

Espinoza said that Red Kettle collections are vital because they allow the Salvation Army to direct funds wherever they are most needed.

The kettles also represent visible points of contact for the Salvation Army and offer engagement for volunteers while providing convenient opportunities for people to donate at storefronts throughout the region.

“For every dollar you donate, 83 cents returns back to the community, and lots of people don’t know that,” said Espinoza. “The Salvation Army is a trusted, honest organization and our financials and impact statements are available on our website.”

If you don’t have cash on hand, red kettles offer QR codes to allow donations from mobile devices. You can also text RedKettles to 51555 or make an online donation at the virtual Red Kettle at SalvationArmyRedKettle.org.

If you want to give time instead of money, you can volunteer to be a bell-ringer at RegisterToRing.com. The campaign continues through Dec. 24.