As the holiday season begins so does a regular fundraiser that has been in the Muscatine area for 130 years.

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign starts Nov. 17 with the bell ringing at local stores in the Muscatine area. The goal is to raise $230,000.

There is an additional aspect to this fundraiser this year called “The Kettle Kommunity Beyond the Bucket.”

“This year we wanted to try something new to provide a way for small, local businesses to support the Kettle efforts,” said Heidi Fields, volunteer and member of the steering committee for this fundraiser. “A new way to give this year is going Beyond the Bucket. We have 10 businesses offering special or limited edition features beginning Nov. 1 through the holiday season and donating a portion of the proceeds to the Red Kettle Campaign. We hope to at least double the number of Kettle Kommunity business partners next year! Please email [email protected] if interested in getting our list for 2024.”

The Kettle Kommunity was started this year to recognize the businesses in Muscatine who have contributed to the Red Kettle Campaign in the past through bell ringing and financial support, Fields added.

The Red Kettle Campaign raises awareness and funding for local Salvation Army programs for the next year. It’s important to keep the programs running and lets the Salvation Army support the community and community members in times of need.

“The money goes to many things, but overall, to support programs/missions to help our community,” Fields said. “Specifics include rental assistance, utility assistance, food pantry, Christmas assistance, Pathway of Hope program, children’s programs, after school, and summer camp.  It’s also important for the community to know that the Salvation Army can be depended upon to provide water, food, clothing, temporary shelter, and other basic necessities, in the event of emergencies like fires, floods, or heavy storm damage. The SA collaborates with other Muscatine organizations during these times of crisis.”

Bell ringers will be at a couple of locations throughout the community to help with the fundraising effort.

“The primary kettle locations are at Hy-Vee (both locations), Fareway, Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Walmart,” Fields said. “There will be counter kettles throughout Muscatine at various businesses. Plus, the giant Red Kettle will make appearances with special guest ringers. You can follow Salvation Army of Muscatine on Facebook for those updates.”

If you are interested in volunteering for this fundraiser you can register by going to registertoring.com and the site is ready now to book your bell ringing times, Fields said. You can select your dates, times, and locations and sign up as an individual or as a group. If you register and create your own account – you can track your bell-ringing hours each year. Bell ringing is a great thing to do with a friend, family or other group – and is a wonderful yearly tradition to start any time.

“Our community goes above and beyond in many ways each year,” Fields said. “People drop money in the kettles, send in year-end gifts, help us get toys for families, donate food to fill our pantry, and so much more. We are beyond grateful for all the support, and we look forward to continuing to serve and help our community for many years to come.”