A timeless Yuletide tradition dating back to the late 1800s, the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign has returned to Hernando County, with the famous bell ringers standing at full attention beside their kettles, ringing their festive bells as they wish all who approach a very merry Christmas. But their true purpose and mission are still more significant—garnering those precious donations that will aid and sustain people in need all year.
“The funds collected in these red kettles help us help others all year long,” said Captain Joshua Davis of The Salvation Army in Hernando County. “This is our biggest fund-raiser throughout the year, enabling us to provide life-changing programs and services, including food assistance programs, shelter for people experiencing homelessness, emergency financial assistance, youth programs, disaster response, and holiday help.”
This vital aid, said Davis, is more needed than ever. “We’re helping more people this year. There’s a greater need,” he said. “And for our Christmas Angel Tree program, we’re helping 150 families with 400 kids.”
The Red Kettle campaign, according to Davis, would not be possible without the aid and support of those volunteers who turn out as many as 40 hours per week, standing in front of stores and businesses throughout the county as they don their Santa caps and ring their bells. “We couldn’t do this without our volunteers,” he said.
One of these devoted workers is Michael Price of Spring Hill, a longtime Salvation Army volunteer who has been ringing bells since the 1990s. Yet Price’s connection to and affiliation with the agency goes back even further.
“When I was a little boy, I always looked forward to the time of year when my mom would get a tree and toys for us from the Salvation Army,” he said. “They helped my family. Now I pay it forward.”
Currently, Price can be seen 40 hours a week at the newly remodeled Publix Super Market at the Hernando West Plaza in Spring Hill, dressed in his Santa hat and operating his station next to his festive red kettle.
“I set a goal each day of how much I want to raise, and I usually meet it,” he said. “It’s so important to me to help the homeless and the children.”
Five days a week, Price can be seen smiling at and greeting all passersby, joining a group of volunteers that also include church groups, social club members, youth groups, representatives of local businesses, and individuals—all of which carry on an age-old Yuletide tradition in grand fashion.
“From its humble origins in 1891, when a Salvation Army Captain used a crab pot to collect funds in San Francisco, the Red Kettle Campaign has grown to become one of the most recognized charitable initiatives worldwide,” said Captain April Davis of The Salvation Army in Hernando County. “The funds raised in the Red Kettle will serve as a lifeline in our community, offering essential assistance, including nourishment, shelter, and vital social services, to people during their greatest need.”
The campaign started early this year at the beginning of November and will extend through Christmas Eve, Monday-Saturday. Last year, The Salvation Army raised $139,217 and hopes to raise $157,000 this season to support the community.
“We are grateful for the spirit of giving in our community and the unwavering support we receive from our generous donors and corporate partners,” added Captain Joshua Davis. “Together, we can ignite hope and support people in our community who are most needed.”
The Salvation Army still seeks volunteers to ring the bells at Red Kettles across Hernando County. Sign up by calling 941-799-1435 or emailing Joshua Davis at [email protected].
Visit https://hernando.salvationarmyflorida.org/ or call 352-796-1186 to donate or learn more about how you can support The Salvation Army this Christmas.
“What I’m here to do is spread Christmas cheer.” said Price.
