The Salvation Army of Macon County is preparing for another Christmas fundraising season, with a goal of raising $600,000 to support local programs and services.
The organization announced its 2026 campaign Wednesday morning during a Kiwanis meeting in Decatur. This year’s theme is “Ring For Good,” with donations coming through community events, mail appeals, individual contributions and the familiar red kettles stationed throughout the area.
Major Randall Summit, Executive Director of the Macon County Salvation Army, says the organization is looking forward to the opportunities ahead, particularly with the needs facing the community.
Summit says money raised through the campaign stays in Macon County and helps residents with everything from utility bills and groceries to emergency shelter and meals for seniors.
The Salvation Army supports several local programs, including its food pantry, men’s emergency shelter, Pathway of Hope, homeless prevention, prescription assistance and Supportive Services for Veteran Families.
Summit says approximately 88 percent of donations go directly toward services.
He also emphasized that donations of every size make a difference.
“Nothing’s too big or too little,” Summit said. “It’s wonderful when someone shows up with a check, but it’s the quarters, nickels, dimes and dollar bills that make the $190,000 in kettle donations that we need. Please just remember us. We say thank you.”
The Salvation Army will begin its red kettle campaign Friday, November 6, with bell-ringing locations at Hobby Lobby near Hickory Point Mall, Blaine’s Farm and Fleet and four select Walgreens locations.
Additional locations will open Saturday, November 14, at Walmart in Mount Zion, Walmart North and Sam’s Club.
On Black Friday, November 27, bell ringers will also be stationed at three Kroger locations, including Brettwood Village, the Highway 36 Airport Plaza and South Shores, along with Kenney’s Ace Hardware.
Major Daniel Faundez, Associate Corps Officer, oversees the red kettle campaign. He says the organization is always looking for volunteers to help ring bells.
Volunteers can sign up for a two-hour shift. Salvation Army staff will meet them at their assigned location with everything they need and return afterward to collect the equipment.
Faundez says anyone can participate, including families with children.
“Really anyone, families with children are awesome. People love seeing kids ringing the bell, and just anyone that wants to be involved and contributes their time and resources to the cause,” Faundez said.
Those interested in volunteering can sign up at RingForGood.org/Decatur. Volunteers can also contact Jeff Daly at 217-848-3573 or jeff.daly@usc.salvationarmy.org.
The Salvation Army says the red kettle campaign will begin a little earlier this year because of fewer available fundraising days during the holiday season. Organizers also plan to add several locations, particularly on Decatur’s west side.
The importance of the organization’s work was also highlighted Wednesday through the stories of Allan and Rick, two men who previously experienced homelessness and received assistance from the Salvation Army. The two have since moved forward and now operate their own food truck, Dirty Burger.
Summit says the campaign is ultimately about helping people in the community get back on their feet and providing assistance when they need it most.
For more information about the campaign, volunteer opportunities or ways to donate, visit RingForGood.org/Decatur. The Salvation Army can also be found on Facebook at TSA Decatur and on Instagram at salvationarmydecatur.
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