If you enjoy strolling around the village of Skaneateles during the holiday season, you have probably seen The Salvation Army’s red kettles accompanied by lively volunteers of all ages, ringing bells and spreading holiday cheer. Each year, from the middle of November through Christmas Eve, more than 1,000 volunteers sign up to ring bells at almost 30 red kettle locations throughout Onondaga County. While most are familiar with The Salvation Army (if only as far as the iconic red kettles), it is likely not many people know where the dollars they drop actually go, and the impact their donation has on the community at large. 

The tradition of the red kettles began in 1891, as an iron pot in San Francisco where passers-by would toss loose change to help feed the hungry.  While methods have evolved (with text to give, QR codes, and tap to give options), the mission of The Salvation Army remains the same: serving the most people and Doing the Most Good. 

The money donated to kettles in your neighborhood stays local, providing vital funds to support more than 35,000 individuals each year throughout Onondaga County. For families in need, whether they are in Skaneateles, Baldwinsville, Tully or anywhere in between, that means access to domestic violence support, in-home family therapy, emergency and practical assistance, senior services, shelters for families, youth, and teen moms, and so much more. With 33 diverse programs, The Salvation Army of Syracuse first addresses immediate needs, and then focuses on developing long-term solutions. 

Whether through rental or bill assistance, veteran support, or street outreach, The Salvation Army meets people where they are, without judgment, providing advocacy and support to help them move forward. This year, if you drop a quarter or a dollar into a red kettle, know that you are helping to change lives all year long. 

To learn more about the work The Salvation Army of Syracuse has been doing for 140 years, or to get involved, scan the QR Code or visit sasyr.org.