CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – On the first full day of autumn, the Salvation of Army of Charlottesville has begun preparing for the holiday season putting out a call for bell ringers for its 2025 Red Kettle Campaign. The call says “volunteers are needed to ring bells at kettle sites throughout Charlottesville and Albemarle County, helping raise vital funds that stay local to support families and individuals in need”.

The call continues, “The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign has been a holiday tradition since 1891, symbolizing generosity, community spirit, and the power of neighbors helping neighbors.”

“Each hour a volunteer spends ringing the bell makes a difference,” said Major Donny Wilson, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army Charlottesville. “The more volunteers we have, the more funds we can raise—and that means more families fed, more people sheltered, and more hope shared right here in our community.”

He notes every dollar dropped into a Red Kettle helps provide food, shelter, emergency assistance, and hope for neighbors facing hardship. Last year, the Charlottesville campaign raised $115,000, directly funding programs at the Center of Hope shelter and community assistance programs.

Volunteers can sign up for shifts as individuals, families, church groups, civic clubs, or businesses. The Red Kettle Campaign runs from November 20 through Christmas Eve, and shifts are typically two hours long at participating retail and grocery store locations.

You can sign up by clicking here or calling Major Wilson at 434-295-4058.