Salvation Army kettle donations power year-round Syracuse programs: Beyond the Bell – Salvation Army
Major Charles Roberts: I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know
Arwen Parmelee: As Syracuse families are preparing for the holidays, some are wondering how they’ll make ends meet. These bells and red kettles have been a long-standing tradition, but few people know where their donations actually go.
Parmelee: Behind these seasonal sounds, the Salvation Army’s impact reaches far beyond December, going deep into the surrounding community.
Parmelee: Major Charles Roberts, known for bringing extra holiday cheer to his kettle, says these donations make a crucial difference locally.
Roberts: These donations are, stay right here at home in Syracuse to support the 34 different programs that we have in Syracuse and Onondaga County.
Parmelee: Every dollar donated stays in Syracuse, where food insecurity remains the greatest need this holiday season.
Parmelee: Last year alone, the Salvation Army and its partners provided Christmas food and toys to nearly 10,000 local residents. Rob Reith, an insurance company employee, has joined the volunteers who make these programs possible.
Reith: It’s amazing that the scope of the Salvation Army I mean you go anywhere, you see them, you see all the people you know ringing the bells and wishing you a Merry Christmas, happy holidays. And you know some of these folks are out there and it’s 10 degrees, and you know it just shows the dedication and the support that they have for the organization and vice-versa that the, you know the Salvation supports their volunteers so, you know it’s been a great experience.
Parmelee: From emergency shelters to youth programs, one donation can spark a chain of hope throughout our community.
Roberts: Our kids need a lot of support. We can use volunteers in our food pantry.
Parmelee: While the bells may draw you to donate, it’s organizations like this where your generosity creates a lasting impact, helping the Salvation Army run numerous programs to support Syracuse families throughout the year.
Parmelee: To join volunteers like Rob, organize a food drive, or make a donation, text “KETTLES” that’s ‘KETTLES’ to 31333. For more ways to help, visit SyracuseSalvationArmy.org.
Roberts: We’ll conspire, as we…
Parmelee: From the Salvation Army in Syracuse, Arwen Parmelee, NCC News.
Roberts: Plans that we made, walkin’ in a winter wonderland.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — The Salvation Army of Syracuse is reminding residents that their red kettle donations support its 34 community programs that operate all year long. Their yearly tradition of ringing bells has began.
Major Charles Roberts specializes in singing Christmas carols to attract donors. He reminds NCC News that all the donations remain within Syracuse, and all donations made go directly back to their own community.
“These donations stay right here at home in Syracuse,” Roberts said, noting that food insecurity remains the community’s greatest challenge this holiday season.
The Salvation Army’s impact is quite significant. In 2022, the Salvation Army and its partners provided Christmas food and toys to nearly 10,000 Syracuse residents through their Christmas Bureau Distribution.
Local volunteers like Rob Reith, an insurance company employee, help make these programs possible.
“It’s amazing that the scope of the Salvation Army…some of these folks are out there and it’s 10 degrees. And you know it just shows the dedication and the support that they have for the organization and vice-versa,” Reith said.
This organization’s services range from emergency shelters, to youth programs, to domestic violence protection, creating what Roberts describes as a critical support network for the community.
“Our kids need a lot of support” said Major Charles Roberts.
Anyone interested in donating, volunteering, or organizing a food drive can text “KETTLES” to 31333 or visit https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/empire/syracuse/.