Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Bells began ringing around Northeast Arkansas on Friday as the Salvation Army of Jonesboro kicked off its Red Kettle Campaign.
The campaign, which lasts until Dec. 24, aims to raise $150,000 for the Salvation Army of Jonesboro. Funds will stay local and be used for the general upkeep of the nonprofit’s main office, as well as finance its outreach and assistance programs, such as its homeless shelter, food pantry, and more.
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“We ring bells, drive people crazy, to raise necessary funds, not only to keep this place in operation, but also to help the community out,” said Capt. Charles Smith, one of the commanding officers of the Salvation Army of Jonesboro.
Volunteers with bells and Red Kettles will be present at 12 stores across Northeast Arkansas, which are listed below:
- Hobby Lobby east door: 1843 Highland Drive, Jonesboro
- Harps: 2005 Harrisburg Road, Jonesboro. Bell ringing at this location will not begin until Black Friday, Nov. 28.
- Kroger: 1725 S. Caraway Road, Jonesboro. Bell ringers will be in front of both the pharmacy and grocery doors. Bell ringing at this location will not begin until Black Friday, Nov. 28.
- Sam’s Club: 405 S. Caraway Road, Jonesboro
- Walmart Neighborhood Market: 12811 Creek Drive, Jonesboro
- Walmart Neighborhood Market: 3319 Harrisburg Road, Jonesboro
- Walmart Supercenter: 1815 Highland Drive, Jonesboro. Bell ringers will be in front of both the pharmacy and grocery doors.
- Walmart Supercenter: 1911 Parker Road, Jonesboro. Bell ringers will be in front of both the pharmacy and grocery doors.
- Walmart Neighborhood Market: 2600 Linwood Drive, Paragould
- Walmart Supercenter: 2802 W. Kingshighway, Paragould. Bell ringers will be in front of both the pharmacy and grocery doors.
- Walmart Supercenter: 512 Industrial Park Drive, Trumann
Smith said the organization is still seeking volunteers to ring bells for the campaign. Churches, community groups, high school students needing required community service hours for graduation, or anyone wanting to volunteer, are encouraged to sign up.
A Salvation Army of Jonesboro’s Facebook post encouraging volunteer support said that, for the 2024 campaign, the organization did not meet its fundraising goal.
“The first year went decent, the second year went really good. And last year, [participation] was kind of low. [We] don’t know what happened there,” Smith said. “Just to be able to do what we can do to help others out, we were hoping volunteers would step up.”
To sign up to volunteer, click here, call (870) 932-3785, or visit the Salvation Army of Jonesboro, located at 800 Cate Ave.
“People will come in, grab their kettle, an apron, and a bell, and go out and ring. And we can either go out and pick it [the kettle] up, or they [volunteers] can bring it back,” Smith said.
If at a Red Kettle location, people can give cash or scan a QR code on signs. The QR code will lead to mobile and digital payment options. Those unable to donate at a Red Kettle can give online here.
“We are trying to officially raise $150,000. It sounds like a [drop] in the bucket for some people,” Smith said. “But for us, we use every dollar to help stretch it as much as we can to what we can here.”
