Idaho Falls Salvation Army starts Red Kettle Season

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - The Idaho Falls Salvation Army is running its annual Red Kettle Season.

The Salvation Army gets most of its funds during this season. Volunteers stand outside local locations and ring bells to appeal to passersby to donate.

This year, the Idaho Spuds hockey team is helping. Players are ringing the bells outside local stores. 

“It’s good for us. It’s good for them. It’s good for the community,” Idaho Falls Salvation Army corps officer Captain Steve Staneart said. “And we are very grateful for their service.”

Since this is the Salvation Army’s 125th year in the community, it’s trying to raise $125,000 for the year. Unfortunately, this has been difficult.

At the end of November 2023, the Army’s fundraising has brought in $58,000. This puts it down in budget and will force it to reduce services it offers including the soup kitchen.

“There’s always more need than there are resources, but the good people of Idaho Falls [have] always been very good to the Salvation Army,” Staneart said. “We take every dollar that you give us and we spend it right here in Idaho Falls helping people who are having a tough time.”

The Salvation Army is trying to do all they can to help people in need in Idaho Falls. It recently served almost a thousand meals during the Thanksgiving holiday. It’s busy getting ready for Christmas right now. 

The Army is seeing a very slow incoming of toys. This is troubling because that might mean there won’t be enough toys for the near 500 kids in need.

People can donate to the Salvation Army at idahofalls.salvationarmy.org.