News Release

WARSAW – The Salvation Army of Kosciusko County has announced that all donations to red kettles from Thursday, Dec. 4, through Saturday, Dec. 6, will be doubled up to $5,000 thanks to an anonymous local couple. The donors are challenging shoppers to dig a little deeper in their pockets to make the most of the match, which will turn $5 donations into $10 and double the impact of any gift dropped into a red kettle.

“We’re excited for the opportunity to double the impact of every gift that goes into a kettle over those three days and are truly grateful for the longtime supporters who are making this match possible,” said Major Jean Thammavongsa with The Salvation Army. “Looking ahead to 2026, we know that these funds will be needed to meet the needs of our community. The Kosciusko County community is so generous and caring, and we are confident that we can raise $5,000 and rise to the challenge.”

As more Hoosiers are tightening their belts and seeking help to make ends meet, The Salvation Army is stepping up to offer financial, spiritual and emotional support to local residents. Programs like Angel Tree, Tools for School, Operation Valor and the choice food pantry help people of all ages and situations get the help they need all year long.

Last year, The Salvation Army provided 73,630 meals to those facing food insecurity and 14,364 basic social services, like utility and rent assistance, to county residents. These and many other ministries are supported by the Red Kettle Campaign each fall. The $5,000 match will help The Salvation Army get closer to its fundraising goal, especially if shoppers respond with their own generosity.

Shoppers looking for a red kettle this week will find bell ringers at Walmart, Kroger and Martin’s in Warsaw and Neighborhood Fresh in North Webster. There are still many shifts in need of volunteers over the three days of the match. Anyone interested in volunteering to ring a bell through Christmas Eve is invited to visit registertoring.com and find a location, date and time that works for their schedule.