In 1891, Salvation Army officer captain Joseph McFee began he first kettle fundraising drive; that year, it helped provide Christmas meals to more than 100,000 people.
Bell ringing helps people remember that there are people in their neighborhoods who won’t have a Christmas without their help.
Beginning each November and running through Christmas Eve, the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign has become one of the most visible community holiday fundraisers nationwide.